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
Michaela Zee, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025
However, in the past year the city eliminated funding for needle exchanges and implemented compulsory treatment strategies, which research suggests often do not reduce drug use or criminal recidividism.
—Ben Cocchiaro, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 25 Dec. 2024
As the interview evolves, Cutler seems to revel in needling Stewart.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for needle
Noun
In the ensuing chaos, Misty (Christina Ricci) inadvertently stabbed Natalie with the needle instead.
—Michaela Zee, Variety, 13 Feb. 2025
However, in the past year the city eliminated funding for needle exchanges and implemented compulsory treatment strategies, which research suggests often do not reduce drug use or criminal recidividism.
—Ben Cocchiaro, The Conversation, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
He's floated the idea of the U.S. taking ownership of Greenland and suggested annexing Canada amid border security negotiations in a pitch that Axios' Dave Lawler notes is designed, at least in part, to needle Prime Minister Trudeau.
—Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 25 Dec. 2024
As the interview evolves, Cutler seems to revel in needling Stewart.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
See All Example Sentences for needle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needle
Noun
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That’s why Lottie had her cult followers kidnap Natalie at the beginning of season 2, and her time on the compound seems to have brought Natalie some peace… until Misty accidentally stabbed her with a syringe full of poison.—
Katie Rife,
EW.com,
13 Feb. 2025
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All three were hooked up to machines that provided a readout of their vital signs, and all three were prepared to have a syringe of manufactured blood injected into their veins.—
Nicola Twilley,
The New Yorker,
3 Feb. 2025
Noun
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But those precursor awards are also imperfect indicators, and some of them have better track records than others.—
Nathaniel Rakich,
ABC News,
27 Feb. 2025
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The Fed's next decision on interest rates will likely hinge on continued economic indicators, including hiring trends and inflation data.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The intrigue: McGuire also teased a new concept for the project's next phase: a 3,500+ seat music venue.—
Kyle Stokes,
Axios,
28 Feb. 2025
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Editor's Note: Nothing has already teased the Nothing Phone (3a) series, which will arrive on March 4.—
Julian Chokkattu,
WIRED,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Questions of racial discrimination have often dogged Urban Beach Week, which attracts mostly young African Americans and has been met with a very large — and some say intimidating — police contingent.—
Julie K. Brown,
Miami Herald,
12 Feb. 2025
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But Bates’s no-nonsense approach to crime and dogged determination to hold all lawbreakers accountable created a seismic shift in how crime and punishment would be tackled in Maryland’s largest city.—
Barnini Chakraborty,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The Conference Board reported that its consumer confidence index sank this month to 98.3 from 105.3 in January.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
25 Feb. 2025
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The Conference Board's expectations index, which measures the outlook for jobs, income and business conditions, fell more than 9 points in February to 72.9.—
Scott Horsley,
NPR,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Goliath was a character who taunted and terrified the entire army of Israel for 40 days.—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
28 Feb. 2025
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According to Carranza, another student was taunting her daughter, saying that her family would be deported, and Jocelynn would be left alone.—
Ed Lavandera,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Yes, the latest gauge of investor vibes shows uniquely high concern.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
27 Feb. 2025
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Another report Friday will show how the gauge of inflation that the Federal Reserve prefers to use has been behaving.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The first meeting of the season (Oct. 22), Boston had Holiday spending a lot of time guarding Towns so that the Celtics could bait the Knicks into hunting the mismatches, while also welcoming 2-pointers in exchange for 3s on the other end.—
James L. Edwards III,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
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Between the songs and entertaining over-the-top fantasy sequences, Milo engages in some very believable baiting and arguing with his sister, Adrienne.—
Rob Hubbard,
Twin Cities,
11 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Needle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needle. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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