needle 1 of 2

Definition of needlenext
1
as in syringe
a slender hollow instrument by which material is put into or taken from the body through the skin the nurse inserted the needle into his vein and collected some blood for testing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in indicator
an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information simply by reading the compass needle you should be able to figure out in which direction we're heading

Synonyms & Similar Words

needle

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 needle
Noun
At the game in June, the Mets provided the group with event space where the knitters, crocheters, cross-stitchers, needle pointers, sewers and embroiderers could connect with each other. Rebecca Tauber, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026 Put your bags away, stay your shaking hand, try a new needle. Hazlitt, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Kamran continued to needle Zain, joking about the apples. Daniyal Mueenuddin, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 After nearly a decade of using the sign to needle the beer capital, Anheuser-Busch walked away from the ad and was replaced by Miller Brewing. Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for needle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needle
Noun
  • This form of Zepbound comes in a vial, which means patients must use a disposable syringe to inject it, rather than a self-injectable pen.
    Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 4 Nov. 2025
  • The benefits of an irrigation syringe compared to other syringe sizes are its ability to deliver precise force into a wound, which does most of the work of removing dirt and debris.
    Patricia "Blackpacker" Cameron, Outside Online, 27 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • This week, some of those indicators have fallen, but the CDC says that does not necessarily mean the season has reached its peak.
    Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Hartnett pointed to a cluster of extreme positioning indicators in a note to clients Friday.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In August 2025, the company announced plans to enter the automotive sector and teased two concept cars that drew heavy comparisons to the Bugatti Chiron and Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Also at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Cyrus teased a potential return to the beloved, wig-wearing character.
    Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Pet Food The internet at large may suggest using cat or dog food to feed birds in a pinch.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 6 Jan. 2026
  • The Police Department has long been dogged by accusations of racial discrimination against Black officers in its ranks.
    Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 29 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Both indexes snapped three-day losing streaks.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Ohio had the largest drop on the index, falling 29 positions to 43rd as a net-loss state in 2025 after ranking 14th as a net-gain state in 2024.
    Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Lazzaro argued in court the mall victim was the aggressor and had taunted Hernandez over his history as a government informant, saying his reputation as a snitch would put him in grave danger back in prison.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The two come face-to-face at the end of the episode, during which Callahan taunts Kyle over his wife's murder.
    Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Decades ago, my father taught me how to drive, bait a hook and to always open the car door for my date.
    Scott Maxwell, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Traps can be baited with peanut butter, marshmallows, pet food, or other tidbits from your pantry.
    Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Crime Stoppers is urging the public not to approach the suspect, who should be considered armed and dangerous.
    Jeramie Bizzle, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Pink and black, a similar color pairing, is one that Gage urges steering clear of in this day and age.
    Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 12 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needle. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

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