1
as in syringe
a slender hollow instrument by which material is put into or taken from the body through the skin
the nurse inserted the needle into his vein and collected some blood for testing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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1
as in to tease
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults
we needled him mercilessly for thinking that he had any chance of being the prom date for the school's most popular girl
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to dog
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders
quit needling me! I'll take out the trash in a minute!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of needle
Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The union also moved the needle forward in a minor capacity on the residual and AI front, as well as minimum rate increases.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Eugenio Suárez, from Venezuela, jokingly cheered for Canada to needle his teammates.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for needle
Noun
Roise said to help protect against damage from wildfires, residents should clear any potential fuel like bushes, pine needles or propane tanks away from their homes.
—Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026
The union also moved the needle forward in a minor capacity on the residual and AI front, as well as minimum rate increases.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
Russia is needling Ukraine’s European allies with asymmetrical warfare – sabotage and cyberattacks – to perhaps provoke a wider conflict while imposing costs.
—Nick Paton Walsh, CNN Money, 12 Mar. 2026
Eugenio Suárez, from Venezuela, jokingly cheered for Canada to needle his teammates.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for needle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needle
Noun
-
Mann repeated her prior testimony about Weinstein using the bathroom before the attack and her later finding a syringe in the bathroom’s trash can afterward.—
Molly Crane-Newman,
New York Daily News,
29 Apr. 2026
-
But Larissa, a nurse always at the ready with syringe full of sedatives, is inflexible about Katie remaining at home.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Runser referenced indicators in manufacturing showing the sector is expanding, which is supportive of future freight demand.—
Dylan Sherman,
Arkansas Online,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The index is a future indicator of lease signings about a year or more out.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Castmembers Kevin Sussman, Lauren Lapkus, Brian Posehn and John Ross Bowie took the stage at CCXP Mexico City to tease their project that combines comedy with sci-fi and is set to begin streaming on HBO Max in July.—
Ryan Gajewski,
HollywoodReporter,
26 Apr. 2026
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Creator Bruce Miller was more than happy to tease what’s to come this week in episode 6, while on stage at the Deadline Contenders TV panel.—
Amanda Champagne-Meadows,
Deadline,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The White House has been dogged by tough headlines following the collapse of a second round of peace deal negotiations with Tehran this week.—
Mabinty Quarshie,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Apr. 2026
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Higher electricity costs could dog incumbents Rising electricity rates stemming partially from data centers could spell trouble for the toss-up district Republicans as the politicians attempt to run on an affordability agenda against the backdrop of the Iran war.—
Caleigh Keating,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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During his tenure, Hungary slid down rankings on democracy and corruption indices; reports suggest that vast amounts in state funds ended up in Orbán allies’ hands.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
27 Apr. 2026
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Conditions at the beaches remain relatively calm, with a low risk of rip currents, though a high UV index means sunscreen is strongly recommended.—
Lissette Gonzalez,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Edwards taunted Nuggets fans at the end of Minnesota’s Game 7 win in 2024, getting on Jokic’s nerves in the process.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
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Myrsiades said Hennessey spotted a white Mercedes SUV linked to a suspect accused of making bomb threats and taunting local law enforcement agencies.—
Madeleine Wright,
CBS News,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Diners aren’t baiting first-bite TikTok reaction shots.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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That’s the kind of trade the Stars are happy to make after getting even in this first-round series, 1-1, by baiting the Wild to get even with them in pre- and post-whistle shenanigans.—
Joe Smith,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Shortly after the ruling, Republicans were urging a review of their congressional maps in Louisiana, Tennessee and elsewhere.—
Nicholas Riccardi,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
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With the new dietary guidelines urging a boost in daily protein, especially red meat, high-fiber foods might get left behind.—
Kaitlin Sullivan,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Needle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needle. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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