1
as in taunted
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults
we needled him mercilessly for thinking that he had any chance of being the prom date for the school's most popular girl
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in urged
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders
quit needling me! I'll take out the trash in a minute!
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of needled
The Ukrainian leader also wore more formal attire, something that did not go unnoticed by pro-Trump reporter Brian Glenn, who in February needled Zelensky for his lack of a suit.
—
Brett Samuels, The Hill, 18 Aug. 2025
Trump at one point needled Zelenskyy over Ukraine delaying elections.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025
One ayatollah in particular, Ruhollah Khomeini, needled the Shah incessantly.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Brett Samuels, The Hill, 18 Aug. 2025
Trump at one point needled Zelenskyy over Ukraine delaying elections.
—Aamer Madhani, Fortune, 18 Aug. 2025
One ayatollah in particular, Ruhollah Khomeini, needled the Shah incessantly.
—Daniel Immerwahr, New Yorker, 4 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needled
Verb
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In June, a fan at Rate Field in Chicago taunted the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte about his deceased mother.—
Annie Heilbrunn,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
21 Aug. 2025
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According to a recent report from the Daily Mail, Kohberger complained to prison guards about being taunted by fellow inmates.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
People.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The 26-year-old has been Arsenal’s captain since the summer of 2022, but in August, Adams urged Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to strip the Norway international of the Arsenal captaincy and hand the role to Declan Rice.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
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Chad Bauman, executive director at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, urged the committee to reject the funding allocations in the hopes of obtaining more money for the theater company.—
Claudia Levens,
jsonline.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The pop star's fans were sorely disappointed when the first four episodes of the series' second season debuted without an appearance by Gaga, whose guest-starring role in the gothy drama has been teased by Netflix for months.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
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It had long been teased and was confirmed late last year under a deal struck by Disney and BBC Studios.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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By the time Kendra’s lies were discovered, the family was being hounded by debt collectors and were in danger of losing their home.—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
5 Sep. 2025
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The Vikings defense hounded Maye, a veteran unit that ranked second in takeaways last year and confounded veteran quarterbacks with its exotic pressure packages.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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He was mocked by a MAGA-friendly reporter for not wearing a suit.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
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The voices mocked her for her recent career failures, including not being booked on WrestleMania 41 or SummerSlam this year.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Angels finally made a concession to the back trouble that has nagged Tyler Anderson all season.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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At one point, there were so many volunteers flooding the region that officials from the Red Cross Nashville Chapter begged those who were not trained in disaster zones not to hike in—and instead, began offering safety classes for those determined to help.—
Angele Latham,
The Tennessean,
29 Aug. 2025
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Her freshman feats begged the obvious question.—
Tony Baranek,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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But for now, the underlying stance within the shipping industry and supply chain has not changed, according to logistics professionals, with the court decision — a stay is in place until October 14 — contributing to the uncertainty that has dogged business decision making throughout 2025.—
Lori Ann LaRocco,
CNBC,
2 Sep. 2025
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Tech stocks were dogged all month by discussion about whether AI was in a bubble.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Needled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needled. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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