jab 1 of 2

as in punch
a quick thrust gave the jellyfish on the beach a cautious jab with my stick

Synonyms & Similar Words

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jab

2 of 2

verb

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 jab
Noun
Trump takes jab at Taylor Swift: 'How did that work out?' Are your federal student loans in default? Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025 The pair became fast friends when Varsho was traded to the Blue Jays ahead of the 2023 season, dancing in the outfield after wins and lobbing jokes and jabs in their corner of the clubhouse. Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
When striking, pelican spiders jab their chelicerae downward like twin spears, keeping their prey — often other spiders — safely at arm’s length. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Asked about Trump's return to power on Thursday, Biden jabbed the current president on several fronts from domestic to international affairs. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for jab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jab
Noun
  • There was no consensus on who threw the first punch at the Arlington water park at closing time on a June evening in 2021.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
  • Friendship, the new comedy starring Paul Rudd and Tim Robinson, begins its descent into skin-crawling derangement with a song, then a punch.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • After slaughtering the other contenders and attacking students at the dance, Dan is unmasked after Lori stabs him in the eye with her crown.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • In Spanish-language drama A Widow's Game, based on a true story, a young woman becomes the primary suspect in the stabbing death of her husband.
    K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • His offerings are peppered with humor, double entendres, sports mockery, and the occasional poke at politicians and political events.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
  • With the right toe poke, the forward found the back of the net for the game’s lone goal.
    Asli Pelit, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Putin’s absence punctured hopes of a breakthrough in peace efforts that were given a push in recent months by the Trump administration and Western European leaders amid the intense maneuvering.
    Mehmet Guzel, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
  • Williams driver Carlos Sainz failed to finish after puncturing his tire.
    Sahil Kapur, NBC news, 3 May 2025
Verb
  • But Jason Schwartzman pierced his ear on The Tonight Show this past August.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 23 May 2025
  • The branch, described as having fallen approximately 50 feet, pierced the attic, roof, and dented the floor of the room.
    Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Situations like, how to thread the needle between multiple dietary restrictions, or how to pick a menu that can be made days in advance so hosts can save their energy for the party itself.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 May 2025
  • Then Tavares basically spent all seven years refusing to pick a lane.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Philips sticked away a backhand attempt by Minnesota’s Brooke McQuigge just 35 seconds into overtime, with the Frost forward getting loose in front of the Ottawa net.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 23 May 2025
  • An animated Wheel Of Time, for instance, could stick closer to the source material while costing a fraction of what a live-action series costs.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Jab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jab. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

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