pricking 1 of 2

Definition of prickingnext

pricking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of prick
See the Dictionary Definition 

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pricking
Adjective
  • The scientists found both were composed of a fibrous material that contained many stinging cells called spirocysts, which belong exclusively to the branch of aquatic invertebrates known as cnidarians.
    Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Parasitoids are specialized types of predatory insects that include non-stinging wasps, flies, and other insects.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • As Luke walks off, his shirt undone and his furry belly prickling in the desert cold, Danny turns and stares out into the backyard.
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Retatrutide has shown similar side effects, as well as a prickling sensation known as dysesthesia.
    Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • In tests using mice, after surgical damage to the liver, AGCL was able to perform significantly better than other current anti-bleeding agents, with normal liver function returning just two weeks after its application.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 21 Jan. 2026
  • These injuries resulted in 684 days lost per 1,000 training hours during menstruation, compared to 206 days lost during non-bleeding days.
    Ciara Lucas, SELF, 16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • What is owed to a nagging abdominal injury and an overall offensive regression that contributed to coach Brian Kelly’s firing?
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
  • My work hours, most notably, but also that little nagging voice in my head that yearns—no, demands—perfection.
    Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Martha Stewart, however—perhaps the least likely superstar to do so—is poking holes in that fantasy, giving us an iconic new selfie that feels wildly relatable to anyone familiar with the mayhem of getting ready.
    Marci Robin, Allure, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.
    Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • In Famesick, Dunham says Driver would habitually yell on set, once even throwing a chair against the wall next to her and puncturing the wall of his trailer with a fist.
    Anna Zucca, Vanity Fair, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The tactic has become more popular with smugglers as police on the beaches try to thwart crossings by puncturing the rafts that groups of migrants have to inflate and carry to the water.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Please tell me the sequel could answer the most burning question of the ’00s: How could Austin not recognize Sam in that mask?
    Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Cooper, 30, asked Hargitay one more burning question about the actors' on-screen alter egos: will Olivia and Elliot ever end up together?
    Victoria Edel, People.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • My cats seem to have started itching themselves.
    Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 26 Apr. 2026
  • When spring arrives and the weather finally warms up after the long, grey winter, gardeners are understandably itching to get back to their plants.
    Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Cite this Entry

“Pricking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pricking. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on pricking

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster