1
as in addiction
a physiological need for certain drugs
I've got this monkey on my back, and going to detox is the only way to get it off
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in devil
an appealingly mischievous person
come back here, you little monkey!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of monkey
Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
The Los Angeles Angels have seemingly traded the rally monkey in for alley rats.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Valerie Demicheva and Flora Chang, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 July 2021
But this experiment isn't about monkeying around—this a real security and safety hazard, the researchers point out in a new paper.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 31 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for monkey
Noun
Even the photos of giraffes, monkeys, lions, hyenas and rhinos hanging on the walls of the classrooms were selected intentionally — and add a personal touch to the space for Scheible.
—Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 29 Apr. 2026
The Los Angeles Angels have seemingly traded the rally monkey in for alley rats.
—Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
With supply running low toward the end of most evenings, savvy bun fanatics don’t monkey around, routinely calling ahead to request an extra skillet of rolls set aside just for them.
—Valerie Demicheva and Flora Chang, San Francisco Chronicle, 26 July 2021
But this experiment isn't about monkeying around—this a real security and safety hazard, the researchers point out in a new paper.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 31 Jan. 2020
See All Example Sentences for monkey
Recent Examples of Synonyms for monkey
Noun
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But behind the scenes, Lebron, 32, tells PEOPLE, the new influx of cash was financing a severe drug addiction.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
14 May 2026
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Murdaugh also testified on his own behalf, admitting to lying to law enforcement and his yearslong addiction to opioids that often led to tension within his household.—
Pilar Melendez,
NBC news,
14 May 2026
Noun
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This is the aforementioned devil’s chair.—
Jaclyn Cosgrove,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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And, yes, there is a literal devil in this one, which won’t be a surprise to anyone familiar with LaValle’s novel.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
4 May 2026
Verb
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But if getting Andy back in the Runway fold feels a lot like getting her into it in the first film, that feeling will only persist, as the sequel apes the original feature nearly beat for beat, with some small swaps here and there.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
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There’s a word for this type of storytelling, and Taccone deserves credit for delivering a superior version of this without outright aping its most famous practitioner.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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However, for people who use nicotine in any form, including pouches, the effects often lead to physical dependence and the need for increasing doses.—
Fran Kritz,
Verywell Health,
12 May 2026
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Wildflowers are planted between vineyard rows to improve biodiversity and reduce water dependence.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
12 May 2026
Noun
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Right now, the rascal in him slumbers, briefly glimpsed now and again behind dark shades.—
Emma Madden,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
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Of all the former rascals, Symoné has enjoyed the longest and most successful career in entertainment.—
Andrew Walsh,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On the Season 44 premiere in September 2018, Damon parodied Kavanaugh’s Senate testimony, depicting his belligerence and frequently yelling, referencing beer, among other things — using many of the actual quotes from the hearing.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
10 May 2026
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Regardless, everyone approves of Kiana, with Zack good-naturedly parodying her sunglasses and the girls encouraging him to lock it down despite the tumultuous relationships their friend group seems to attract.—
Ile-Ife Okantah,
Vulture,
7 May 2026
Verb
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One insider in particular alleged that Middleton was upset at Harry and Meghan’s attempts to mimic official royal tours, all while criticizing the institution.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
10 May 2026
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For example, even the best physical AI still struggles to mimic the remarkable dexterity of the human hand.—
Dr. Jonathan Reichental,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The campaign tactic seems to resemble musician Charli XCX’s 2024 album, brat, complete with the same lime-green and black text that became synonymous with the sensation.—
Britta Miller,
The Washington Examiner,
8 May 2026
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An Air Force brat, Erica thinks of San Antonio as home.—
Erica Grieder,
Houston Chronicle,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Monkey.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/monkey. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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