needle 1 of 2

Definition of needlenext
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
Connor Bedard’s growth over the last year has already moved the needle higher. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 23 June 2026 What would actually move the needle? Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 21 June 2026
Verb
After all, there are 40,000 active podcasts, culling a top ten from that massive list is essentially needle meet haystack. Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 Pratt has continued to needle Bass over her response to the wildfires. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for needle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needle
Noun
  • Many such strategies, like syringe exchange or the use of fentanyl test strips, are widely acknowledged to be effective, while others, like supervised consumption, remain highly controversial.
    Lev Facher, STAT, 17 June 2026
  • Who puts a syringe in a Pepsi can?
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 June 2026
Noun
  • Also, an indicator of sorts for where their flirtationship is headed.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
  • Another great indicator of a ripe melon is a golden color.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Many fans also note the images sharpen the look at systems already teased rather than revealing brand-new ones, and Reddit threads quickly began mapping image locations and cataloging every Ultimate-only perk.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Though liberties can be taken for the second season, the season finale heavily teased that the story’s continuation would explore Fortune’s novel, One Golden Summer, centered on Sam’s older brother Charlie.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Monsanto says the decision should dismiss claims now pending and largely end the litigation that has dogged its glyphosate franchise.
    Josipa Majic Predin, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • Bloomberg adds that Meta is considering an even cheaper version of its glasses without a camera, which would support phone calls, media playback, and AI interactivity—slightly easing the privacy and biometric concerns that have dogged the product since its introduction.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The three major indexes are coming off a winning week.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 June 2026
  • The air quality index is divided into six categories.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The groove passes between them without ever quite resolving, each jolt followed by a pocket of silence that feels almost taunting.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 June 2026
  • Neither incidents involved taunting players from the opposing team, and both of those techs have reportedly been rescinded.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Your 10th House of Career and Status receives Jupiter, urging long-range vision and public progress that grows through structure.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • City officials are urging residents to take the heat seriously.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The problem with Fishback’s ideas is that many spring from rage-baiting rhetoric that has little to do with Florida’s current reality— but could attract people who might not otherwise vote.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 June 2026
  • Terminix is widely considered the industry leader for termites due to their pioneering history, use of Sentricon baiting systems, and superior structural repair guarantees.
    Nick Perry, USA Today, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needle. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

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