preen

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 preen The Dodger fans had once again let the taunting, preening Padres get under their skin. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2024 Only Nazis, free to preen, enjoy the ease of prolixity. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 5 Feb. 2025 She’s doe-eyed and eager and preening with Grande adopting a mid-century affectation, à la Gloria Grahame in Oklahoma! Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 27 Nov. 2024 The Chargers preened, all right, with Herbert heaving two second-half touchdown passes. Jay Paris, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for preen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preen
Verb
  • And how many times will Madison (rightfully) gloat?
    Brian Moylan, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Watch John Oliver crash The Daily Show to gloat over the United States entering 'its monarchy era' Reps for the Rhimes declined to comment further on the decision.
    Shania Russell, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The gladiators are primped by stylists and costume designers before the blood flows.
    Bob Minzesheimer, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Seymour shared a glimpse of the show’s backstage glamour as she was dressed and primped for the catwalk.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Messi, at 35, led his country to glory against France, winning soccer’s ultimate prize in a pulsating match that finished 3-3 after extra time and had to be settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
    Patrick Smith, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2022
  • If Harris can bring together a family with Indian, African, and Jewish heritage, America can glory in its diversity.
    Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2020
Verb
  • Close chances and corresponding roars continued, the crowd exulting in a moment long overdue.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
  • During an appearance before Trump supporters in Washington on Monday, Mr. Musk, who is also the chief executive of SpaceX, exulted that the president had promised to send astronauts to Mars.
    Jack Ewing, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Preen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preen. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on preen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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