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doodle 1 of 2

verb

ˈdü-dᵊl How to pronounce doodle (audio)
Definition of doodlenext
as in to play
to spend time in aimless activity I plan to spend the entire vacation just doodling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

doodle

2 of 2

noun

as in illustration

Related Words

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 doodle
Verb
Art therapy isn’t just finger painting and doodling. — Hannah Silverman, Parents, 17 June 2026 They were inspired both by the 2023 California Superbloom and memories of doodling flowers while growing up in India. — Anthony Paletta, Curbed, 17 May 2026
Noun
Yankee doodle, whose the noodle? — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026 Minutes later, an officer opened fire on a pet Saint Bernard doodle that was wearing a Knicks shirt. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for doodle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for doodle
  1. play
  2. illustration
  3. drawing
  4. caricature
  5. outline
  6. sketch
  7. portrait
  8. silhouette
Verb
  • Oman has long played a quiet role in US-Iran diplomacy, while Qatar has facilitated backchannel negotiations and prisoner exchanges.
    — Lauren Morganbesser, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Purdy played well enough that Mac Jones replaced him with about seven minutes remaining and the 49ers leading 35-6.
    — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of play
Noun
  • Along with sizable paintings from iconic American artists such as Norman Rockwell and Frida Kahlo, the museum features galleries with comic books, manga, and other illustrations that have historically been viewed only between paper pages.
    — Nava Rawls, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Sep. 2026
  • George Lucas and Mellody Hobson used the night to defend their ambitious narrative art museum, arguing that illustration and pop culture belong alongside masterworks as legitimate, emotionally resonant art.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • On a Saturday of Powerball, Fantasy 5 and Florida Lotto drawings, two jackpots paid off, both winners getting their tickets at Publix stores.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Its worldwide significance is exhibited through drawings and textiles, offering visitors an impactful experience.
    — Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of drawing
Noun
  • In Huppert’s hands this is no caricature but ultimately a moving portrait of a person who never stops believing in herself.
    — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Beckwith also directly spoke about a controversial Documenta 15 artwork by the Indonesian collective Taring Padi, who exhibited a large mural that featured a Mossad agent as an antisemitic caricature.
    — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of caricature
Noun
  • The measure was pushed through so quickly that legislative committees voted only on a skeletal outline.
    — Paige St. John, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Goh begins each coffin by tracing the outlines on the wood with a pencil before cutting and shaping it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of outline
Noun
  • Guests mingled at the Bill Blass town house Thursday night for an up-close look at the vintage Bill Blass pieces, fashion sketches and personal letters across the designer’s career that are being auctioned at Christie’s.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The figure has since appeared across Depp’s sketches, paintings, and prints.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of sketch
Noun
  • Over his shoulder was an enormous portrait of the hatchet-wielding temperance crusader Carrie Nation, an icon of resistance to the excesses of the first Gilded Age, when similar discontent had roiled the prairies.
    — Kyle Paoletta, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Combs idolized his father, Melvin, wearing his portrait on a medallion around his neck; Christian treats his father with the same reverence.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of portrait
Noun
  • In a sea of unsalted fashion, his silhouettes excite the palette.
    — Julia Hobbs, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026
  • This dress strikes the ideal balance between comfort and a flattering fit, with a roomy silhouette that drapes beautifully without clinging.
    — Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of silhouette

Browse Nearby Words

doodads
doodle
doodled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Doodle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/doodle. Accessed 23 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on doodle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about doodle

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