as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
impale a marshmallow or two on that stick and let's start toasting
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 impale
Lind — despite being stabbed in the eye and impaled with a samurai sword — managed to survive the attack.
—
Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Back in the family’s house, the walking corpse shoves a boy onto the dishwasher, impaling him full of cutlery.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
The few Alawite religious leaders who dared to remain in Aleppo and resist were captured, impaled on metal spikes, and displayed in public squares.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
The Ghostface killer attacks them, leaving two dead, including Lucas, impaled on a sharp beer tap handle.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impale
Tessa Stuart, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026
Back in the family’s house, the walking corpse shoves a boy onto the dishwasher, impaling him full of cutlery.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
The few Alawite religious leaders who dared to remain in Aleppo and resist were captured, impaled on metal spikes, and displayed in public squares.
—Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026
The Ghostface killer attacks them, leaving two dead, including Lucas, impaled on a sharp beer tap handle.
—Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for impale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impale
Verb
-
San Diego police arrested a 29-year-old man early Tuesday on suspicion of fatally stabbing his younger brother in a Point Loma market’s parking lot.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2026
-
Witnesses told police the two 17-year-olds had argued during the meet, that Austin Metcalf pushed Anthony, and that Anthony then stabbed him once in the chest.—
S.E. Jenkins,
CBS News,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Tillis punctuated every strikeout with an ear-piercing scream and fist pump.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
-
According to the notice, if the toy has been ruptured or pierced, or if sand has escaped the toy, Orb Factory has directed consumers to put on a mask and gloves and use damp cloths to pick up any sand that has leaked out.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
In worst-case scenarios, the ice punctures the hull.—
Deena Theresa,
Interesting Engineering,
28 May 2026
-
Either way, Temple IV remains the classic climb, with the famous view across a canopy punctured by stone.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
An in-house florist picks flowers from the gardens daily.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
Since November, 50 people had been hospitalized in California after accidentally picking and eating poisonous wild mushrooms, according to the California Department of Public Health.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
In the end, there was an acceptance that sticking rather than twisting was the most sensible option.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
-
However, the market appears stuck in what traders describe as a circular and seemingly endless loop of indirect talks between Washington and Tehran.—
Gaurav Sharma,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
And now, 44 years on, new generations of Villa fans could also cherish the moment when Buendia’s cross was jabbed in from close range by Morgan Rogers for the third, ensuring every Brummie in Istanbul could relax and soak in the game’s final 30 minutes.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
The president has kept up his criticism of Leo, jabbing the pope in a May 4 interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on the eve of Rubio’s visit.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Impale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impale. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
