thumb

Definition of thumbnext
1
as in to hitch
to travel by securing free rides thought I'd thumb into town instead of paying for a cab

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to flip
to turn over pages in an idle or cursory manner I thumbed through the book during the flight but was too distracted to really read it

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 thumb Unfortunately, that’s the only real recourse the public has with a Congress that still gleefully thumbs its nose at the laws and rules that apply to others. Douglas MacKinnon, Washington Post, 1 Apr. 2026 Caleb Foster thumbed over his shoulder to move Cam Boozer. Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026 Since the late 1970s, victories at the bargaining table have been less frequent, and UFW leaders admit ranchers thumbed their noses during contract negotiations, daring them to strike. Marcos Breton, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026 Going out on top has its appeal, but Auriemma plans, even if granted another such opportunity, to thumb his nose at it once more. Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumb
Verb
  • Celebrity couples such as Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker, George and Amal Clooney and Hailey and Justin Bieber all recited their vows in multiple ceremonies when they got hitched.
    Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026
  • The developmental vehicle returned to Earth empty, while its crew remained behind at the orbital outpost before hitching a ride home in March 2025 with Boeing's SpaceX competitor.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • When the song was over, the singer abruptly turned around to shove and flip the piano, which crashed on stage and broke apart.
    Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026
  • Democrats, for months, have been bullish on flipping the seat Susan Collins has held for nearly thirty years with oyster farmer and veteran Graham Platner.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 June 2026
Verb
  • Some were drawn first to the language and its interna ideo, only to later realize the travel benefits involved; others had learned the language specifically to bum around.
    Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026
  • That means, as some critics of the ban have pointed out, that 18-year-olds will almost certainly bum cigarettes from older friends—the same way younger teens have acquired them since time immemorial.
    Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026
Verb
  • The restaurant is flashier and more glamorous than the original, with moody black floors, discreetly spotlit tables, mirrored ceilings, and walls leafed in living greenery.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 24 May 2026
  • In spring, when the trees start to leaf, Cedar Mountain comes alive with toe-tapping music, pottery studios, galleries and locals who welcome you in.
    Belinda Luksic, Southern Living, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Hinson, whose parents lived in Tennessee, frequently hitchhiked across the country.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 June 2026
  • In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
Verb
  • Available in four colors — purple, blue, sage, and ivory — this dress’ A-line silhouette and floor-skimming length give it a formal yet feminine look, similar to the HGTV star’s style.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026
  • Her floor-skimming hemline featured a rhinestone trim that trailed up her skirt, adding some extra sparkle to every step.
    Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumb. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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