1
as in twinkling
to shine with light at regular intervals
she loves to sit in the dark and watch the lights on the Christmas tree blink in ever-changing patterns
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in squinting
to rapidly open and close one's eyes
I blinked for a few seconds after the camera flashed
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in succumbing
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)
for two days the nations stood on the brink of war, until one finally blinked
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in staring
to look long and hard in wonder or surprise
stood blinking at the ridiculous scene before him in utter disbelief
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of blinking
Centennial and Westminster are among the cities in Colorado that don’t allow blinking neon lights outside of businesses, Glen Weseloh said.
—
Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
Any muscles used for movement — including those involved in speaking, chewing, swallowing, seeing, blinking, breathing and walking — can be affected.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Despite the toll Bug exacts, however, Coon is in exceptionally good humor—if with the blinking optimism of a new year in an unstable reality.
—Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
The negative signs, though, are blinking red.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026
Watch your dog for signs of squinting, blinking, runny eyes, or pawing at his face.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 24 Dec. 2025
Anyone who’s stared at a blinking cursor on a half-finished resume knows the feeling.
—K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
Maybe the Ghoul would kill a guy without blinking an eye, but assassination seems less in Cooper’s wheelhouse.
—Jack King, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
Life is easygoing here, where scarcely any building grows taller than two stories, and there's not one blinking traffic light around to pay any mind.
—Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Dec. 2025
Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 11 Jan. 2026
Any muscles used for movement — including those involved in speaking, chewing, swallowing, seeing, blinking, breathing and walking — can be affected.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 10 Jan. 2026
Despite the toll Bug exacts, however, Coon is in exceptionally good humor—if with the blinking optimism of a new year in an unstable reality.
—Juan A. Ramírez, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2026
The negative signs, though, are blinking red.
—Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 4 Jan. 2026
Watch your dog for signs of squinting, blinking, runny eyes, or pawing at his face.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 24 Dec. 2025
Anyone who’s stared at a blinking cursor on a half-finished resume knows the feeling.
—K. H. Koehler, USA Today, 23 Dec. 2025
Maybe the Ghoul would kill a guy without blinking an eye, but assassination seems less in Cooper’s wheelhouse.
—Jack King, Vulture, 17 Dec. 2025
Life is easygoing here, where scarcely any building grows taller than two stories, and there's not one blinking traffic light around to pay any mind.
—Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for blinking
Verb
-
Edge down to its sister hotel, Belmond Villa San’t Andrea, for a country club-style beach set-up and twinkling views of Naxos Bay.—
Rosalyn Wikeley,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Each December, cities around Europe transform into twinkling holiday spectaculars, hosting Christmas markets and general cheer, where the hot cocoa flows like a river.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Helen takes the envelope, squinting at it in the bright sun, and wonders for a moment what kind of bad news there is left to get from Nebraska.—
Sadia Shepard,
New Yorker,
11 Jan. 2026
-
As when just standing in the Mingus Quick Stop parking lot and squinting down the street at lifting dust while overhearing from within the most mysterious conversation about missing Little Debbie Honey Buns—not stolen, gradually pilfered, but just missing.—
David Searcy,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The man was pronounced dead at the hospital after succumbing to his injuries, according to police.—
Kelsey Brown,
San Antonio Express-News,
4 Jan. 2026
-
After temporarily succumbing to one of his deeply seductive illusions, the Big Other urges him to stop dreaming.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
18 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Below-average play is often staring you right in the face while catastrophe lurks around the corner.—
Matt Schneidman,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The face in question, below, involves Sherman staring with her mouth agape.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In terms of flashing skin and making sexy in again, Stone wasn't alone.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
-
The marquee sign would light up next to flashing lights, plus the claw itself.—
Anna Rahmanan,
thehustle.co,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Then creators are meant to add three to six different toppings (all of which have to already be available on Burger King’s menu) before submitting their innovation.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
-
If a multihousing complex or office space wants to be built in Oak Lawn, developers try to garner support from the Oak Lawn Committee before submitting zoning or project plans to the city for approval.—
Timia Cobb
Breaking News Reporter,
Dallas Morning News,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
After LaRavia made 10 of 11 shots to introduce himself to fans and Minnesota star Anthony Edwards, the Lakers’ general manager splashed a photo of LaRavia gazing out of a window on the front page of a faux newspaper and printed it on a black T-shirt.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Jan. 2026
-
In the touching clip, the pair embraced each other while gazing at a sunny, scenic view.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Shooting stars also recur throughout the exhibition, flickering as symbols of aspiration and impermanence.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Jay Harris, who has followed them into the AFCON quarter-finals this weekend, went back to research the story behind flickering footage of the charismatic forward — then a year or so into his career at Chelsea — pleading for a cease in hostilities.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Blinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/blinking. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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