harpoon 1 of 2

verb

Definition of harpoonnext
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object she deftly harpooned a shrimp with her skewer and held it over the fire

Synonyms & Similar Words

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harpoon

2 of 2

noun

as in trident

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 harpoon
Verb
The chaos allows a Triarchy ship to harpoon Jace's dragon, Vermax, dragging the flailing creature down into the ocean, along with Rhaenyra's heir. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 22 June 2026
Noun
Giannis off Heat table The harpoon might have been sharpened, and there, at least for a brief period, was a whale to chase. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026 Scientists have confirmed the observation by examining proteins in the eye lenses of the whales and dating harpoons embedded in the flesh of these animals. — Ari Daniel, NPR, 24 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for harpoon
Recent Examples of Synonyms for harpoon
  1. stab
  2. trident
  3. pierce
  4. spear
  5. puncture
  6. halberd
  7. jab
  8. lance
Verb
  • DaSilva is then seen approaching a man sitting on an electrical box and is captured making stabbing motions at the man, who ran away and was later found with fatal stab wounds, police say.
    — Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
  • Jordan Harbst, 25, was ambushed and stabbed to death early July 6 while riding a scooter home along the Greenbelt, prosecutors said.
    — Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 16 July 2026
Definition of stab
Noun
  • The club's name is a reference to the trident, Ukraine's national symbol.
    — Brian Mann, NPR, 25 June 2026
  • The Kings’ success will rest in how well Los Angeles adapts to Laviolette’s coaching trident.
    — Liana Handler, Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2026
Definition of trident
Verb
  • In his first international meeting with England, Messi had a pair of assists on two late-match daggers that pierced through the hearts of Three Lions’ players and supporters.
    — Gavin Godfrey, AJC.com, 16 July 2026
  • Finally, in 2024 in Chicago, in an accidental shooting, the same bullet pierced a 16-year-old boy and a policeman.
    — Cal Chengqi Fang, The Conversation, 14 July 2026
Definition of pierce
Noun
  • Heavily inspired by Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s 1652 sculpture, The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa, depicting an angel piercing the saint’s heart—Your soul woke up in flames from a spear by an angel.
    — Tina Eves, SPIN, 13 July 2026
  • This is an enormous issue for the entire industry with PlayStation being the tip of the spear to say that 75-85% digital sales is enough to move that to 100% for good.
    — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of spear
Verb
  • On June 3, Walden went to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed the metal bristle had become lodged in his bowel and had begun puncturing his intestine.
    — Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • His instinct is usually to puncture grand language before anyone else can.
    — Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026
Definition of puncture
Noun
  • Those Swiss guards would take that halberd and just take you down.
    — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
  • During different events, the guards will add white gloves, a black helmet and/or the halberd.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
Definition of halberd
Verb
  • Zverev, who won the French Open and is seeking back-to-back Grand Slam titles, uses an insulin pen when needed to jab the top of his thigh during changeovers on court.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 11 July 2026
  • Two of the points on the rear treble hook were jabbed deeply into the flesh on the outside of the pike’s mouth.
    — Jack G. Mell, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Definition of jab
Noun
  • Bottom cleaners use lances to scrape biofoul off hulls.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • Um dos lances mais bonitos da nossa história.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 16 June 2026
Definition of lance

Browse Nearby Words

harp (on)
harpoon
harpooned
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Cite this Entry

“Harpoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/harpoon. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on harpoon

Nglish: Translation of harpoon for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about harpoon

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