jab 1 of 2

Definition of jabnext
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
Storrie punctuates the jab with a shot from his finger guns, which brings Johnson crumbling to the ground. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 25 Feb. 2026 So, with Minaj taking a more vocal stance with the conservative party, Bruesewitz isn’t the only right-wing political figure to make a jab at the Whipshots founder. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
Others stuck flagpoles through an open passenger-side window, appearing to jab the suspect. Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 15 Jan. 2026 An agent in Massachusetts jabbed his finger and thumb into the neck and arteries of a young father who refused to be separated from his wife and 1-year-old daughter. Nicole Foy, ProPublica, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for jab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jab
Noun
  • There’s only one town, San Pedro, with colorful waterfront restaurants and breezy beach bars perfect for sunset rum punches.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The two programs continued to trade punches until the half, with the Spartans maintaining a 21-17 edge at intermission.
    Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In a lawsuit, Nicholas Parszik and his parents alleged that Rivers stabbed Nicholas, then 8, while the two boys were playing video games in the garage of Nicholas’ San Pedro home on July 30, 2016.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
  • After being questioned by Charlotte County detectives, Giblin allegedly confessed to stabbing Bradley after an argument.
    Alyssa Dzikowski, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • To refuel after your workout, grab some Magura Bros poke or a tropical smoothie bowl at the nearby Sunrise Shack.
    Kristine Thomason, Outside, 9 Mar. 2026
  • The casual pan-Asian eatery on the north end of Mass Ave also offers poke ($17 to $18), sushi rolls and sashimi ($10 to $18) along with a handful of appetizers like dumplings, egg rolls and tempura, all of which cost $5.
    Bradley Hohulin, IndyStar, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Conviction in the Gulf as a future global hub for AI infrastructure is facing its first stress test with Iranian strikes puncturing the region’s image as a haven for computing power.
    Kelsey Warner, semafor.com, 2 Mar. 2026
  • Iran’s attacks on civilian infrastructure and soft targets – airports in Bahrain, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait, and hotels in Bahrain and Dubai – serve to puncture this image of safe and secure Gulf capitals.
    Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, The Conversation, 2 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • And because Mary Lavin is working with the short story rather than the novel, what happens in her fiction must have the noise of delicacy and then a fierce or piercing after-effect.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The ping of pickleball play produces a uniquely piercing and repetitive sound that has led to contentious lawsuits and controversies across the entire country, including just north in Fox Point, as the sport has rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years.
    Claudia Levens, jsonline.com, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Live Nation is also not allowed to retaliate against a venue that picks a primary ticketer other than Ticketmaster.
    Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Some prefer to buy their treats at the grocery store ahead of time (hello Publix BOGO’s), while others prefer to pick them up en route to their destination.
    Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Your innovative streak shines through small, steady improvements that stick.
    Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2026
  • Parties and missile threats A cruise ship packed with passengers is stuck in the Middle East crisis zone.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 4 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Jab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jab. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.

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