1
2
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
you'd better shut up if you don't want a poke on the nose
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings
the constantly bickering husband and wife seem unable to let five minutes pass without an exchange of gratuitous pokes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
chiefly Southern & Midland
as in pouch
a container made of a flexible material (as paper or plastic)
the old warning against buying a pig in a poke
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
saw his head poking through the window
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to interfere
to interest oneself in what is not one's concern
told him to stop poking into other people's business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to linger
to move or act slowly
just poked around all morning and didn't accomplish much
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 poke
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Here's how to make the beloved cinnamon poke cake recipe, including tips for customizing the recipe.
—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 June 2026
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2026
Indeed, when Orion disappears below the western horizon during spring evenings, the Scorpion is poking his head up in the southeast.
—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for poke
Noun
Artisan and his coaching partner, Ike Shehadeh, poke and prod at every part of his group’s personalities.
—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
27 June 2026
Here's how to make the beloved cinnamon poke cake recipe, including tips for customizing the recipe.
—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 June 2026
Verb
If their edges are poking out from your ice sphere, your ice will melt and break apart faster.
—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2026
Indeed, when Orion disappears below the western horizon during spring evenings, the Scorpion is poking his head up in the southeast.
—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for poke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poke
Noun
-
Records of public meetings and community newspapers feature jabs at how far these sorry kinsmen have strayed from their heritage.
-
With a subtle jab at city life there, Deuso is making history in a community that doesn't even seem to notice.
Noun
-
While dealing real damage, Moscow’s ability to adapt has prevented Ukraine’s drone campaign from dealing the decisive blow Kyiv’s allies had hoped.
-
Apple could still handle the iPhone differently by raising only Pro model prices, adjusting storage tiers, leaning on carrier promotions or pushing trade-in offers harder to soften the blow.
Noun
-
According to Spell and members of his congregation, the man had a history of verbally harassing them with threats, insults and racial slurs.
-
Michael Lind, the writer and New America co-founder, argues in Commonplace, the magazine of Oren Cass’s American Compass, that a decent wage and a safety net should be enough, and that handing workers a stake in capital insults the dignity of their labor.
Noun
-
For just $18, this set includes four cubes in different sizes, along with a shoe bag, laundry bag, and cosmetic pouch to keep every travel essential in its place.
-
Protect leather shoes and handbags by storing them in airtight containers with the silica gel pouches they are packaged with.
Verb
-
The skinny braids wrapped the bottom of the bun, while the thicker braids dressed the top, forming a cylinder shape that protruded from the crown of her head.
-
The apartment's one window, protruding from the zinc roof, faces west, putting it in direct sun from midday to dusk.
Verb
-
Negrón also referred to the Justice Department and its Office of Government Ethics, the findings of an internal investigation led by the economic development agency against two government officials, who are accused of interfering in the process for an auction of a contract involving federal funds.
-
The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America undertake to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs.
Verb
-
The town’s predicament highlights the limits of any ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, and the lingering hardship faced by residents whose lives have been upended by years of conflict.
-
Robertson answered any lingering questions about his game with his franchise-caliber play.
Verb
-
But as the days dragged on, headlines about power outages and water shortages took a back seat to a far more gruesome and horrific reality.
-
Compounding concerns, California officials say the Department of Transportation is dragging its feet.
Cite this Entry
“Poke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poke. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
