needle 1 of 2

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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2
as in indicator
an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information simply by reading the compass needle you should be able to figure out in which direction we're heading

Synonyms & Similar Words

needle

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 needle
Noun
This clean, woody scent captures the essence of pine needles, sap, holly, cedar wood, and frosted balsam. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Oct. 2025 Boston Public Health Commissioner Bisola Ojikutu said last month that the city hands out more than 80,000 needles per month to drug users, as part of its harm reduction approach. Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
The Ukrainian leader also wore more formal attire, something that did not go unnoticed by pro-Trump reporter Brian Glenn, who in February needled Zelensky for his lack of a suit. Brett Samuels, The Hill, 18 Aug. 2025 Trump at one point needled Zelenskyy over Ukraine delaying elections. Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for needle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needle
Noun
  • The benefits of an irrigation syringe compared to other syringe sizes are its ability to deliver precise force into a wound, which does most of the work of removing dirt and debris.
    Patricia "Blackpacker" Cameron, Outside Online, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Curious about the ins and outs and various capabilities of a syringe (or two) of filler?
    Kara Nesvig, Allure, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • One of the best indicators of when to stop mowing is soil temperature.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Cardo has also placed a helmet health indicator that monitors shell integrity and notifies you when the helmet may no longer be fit to be worn.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Paul teased getting involved, but instead opted to leave the ring.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The Dodgers, however, weren’t the only ones eager to tease Drake after their big victory.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Therapy dogs with the nonprofit also help children learn to read and assist in clinical therapy settings.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Her style and approach are, as always, dogged, thorough, and relentlessly cheerful.
    Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The index has risen more than 8% this year.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2025
  • While the tariffs are designed to encourage domestic manufacturing by making imports more expensive, factory employment has dropped by more than 40,000 jobs since April, while the ISM index of manufacturing activity fell in October for the eighth month in a row.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The taunting penalty moved the Cowboys back 15 yards at a crucial juncture of the game.
    Matt Audilet, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The kickers were so poor that Boston College head coach Bill O’Brien could have been flagged for taunting by calling for a prevent defense at his own 31-yard line just before halftime.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Matty also accepts an apology from Olympia, who feels bad about baiting her (and then recording her).
    Noel Murray, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025
  • LaFreniere digs a hole to hold a pipe, places bait at the bottom, and positions the pipe near a mature tree to anchor the cable.
    Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Porat closed by urging leaders to really dig in and reimagine what’s possible in their own organizations.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Anyone with information regarding this incident was urged to contact the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4130.
    Wren Smetana, AZCentral.com, 26 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Needle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needle. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.

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