jab 1 of 2

as in punch
a quick thrust gave the jellyfish on the beach a cautious jab with my stick

Synonyms & Similar Words

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jab

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of jab
Noun
Donald Trump and Barack Obama continue to throw shade at each other, this time with the president taking jabs over his predecessor's unfinished and long-awaited library and museum. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 7 May 2025 Every jab step, every pivot, every brush screen: Thompson was there, guessing right more often than not. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 2 May 2025
Verb
When striking, pelican spiders jab their chelicerae downward like twin spears, keeping their prey — often other spiders — safely at arm’s length. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Asked about Trump's return to power on Thursday, Biden jabbed the current president on several fronts from domestic to international affairs. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for jab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jab
Noun
  • There was no consensus on who threw the first punch at the Arlington water park at closing time on a June evening in 2021.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
  • Friendship, the new comedy starring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson, begins its descent into skin-crawling derangement with a song, then a punch.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • After slaughtering the other contenders and attacking students at the dance, Dan is unmasked after Lori stabs him in the eye with her crown.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • In Spanish-language drama A Widow's Game, based on a true story, a young woman becomes the primary suspect in the stabbing death of her husband.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • His offerings are peppered with humor, double entendres, sports mockery, and the occasional poke at politicians and political events.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • With the right toe poke, the forward found the back of the net for the game’s lone goal.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Big Red punctured the scoreboard first when sophomore attackman Ryan Waldman dodged the left alley and scored with 10:38 left in the first quarter.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
  • Memories linger from past hurricanes with limbs puncturing roofs, car windows smashed and lives disrupted.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 May 2025
Verb
  • But Jason Schwartzman pierced his ear on The Tonight Show this past August.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • Haliburton, the star Indiana Pacers point guard, appeared to have missed the attempt that would pierce their hearts, turn their stomachs into mush and transform their minds into a cauldron of rage.
    Sean Gregory, Time, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The Bears lacked a veteran presence at quarterback last season during a crucial time when No. 1 draft pick Caleb Williams could’ve used an experienced teammate to lean on.
    Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 2 June 2025
  • Speaking of the color-correcting actives, users can customize their tan to counteract skin concerns—just pick based on the bottle color.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • An animated Wheel Of Time, for instance, could stick closer to the source material while costing a fraction of what a live-action series costs.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Philips sticked away a backhand attempt by Minnesota’s Brooke McQuigge just 35 seconds into overtime, with the Frost forward getting loose in front of the Ottawa net.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jab. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

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