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
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Recent Examples of needled
But there are other factors that needled their way into the evolutionary development of dormancy characteristics.
—
Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
Thanks to him and his colleagues Lucas Atia and Janet Teng, there’s a much faster, simpler treatment without an IV bag and an hour of getting needled, and a far more accessible treatment for people for whom simply getting to the hospital might be a major hassle or even an impossibility.
—New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025
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
Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
Thanks to him and his colleagues Lucas Atia and Janet Teng, there’s a much faster, simpler treatment without an IV bag and an hour of getting needled, and a far more accessible treatment for people for whom simply getting to the hospital might be a major hassle or even an impossibility.
—New Atlas, 30 Dec. 2025
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needled
Verb
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Police say Woods taunted Stewart before pulling the trigger, but the exact motive is unknown.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
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This question has tantalized and taunted Bulls fans for years — and this trade deadline is no different.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Footage of the incident shows King Charles greeting dozens of residents when one man shouted at him, asking whether the monarch had urged police to investigate his disgraced brother, according to The Times.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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His statements come after Trump moved to cut oil supply to the country and urged Cuban leaders to strike a deal, following the capture of Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro.—
Nora Gamez Torres,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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My sisters teased me about my muffled giggles under the covers in the middle of the night.—
Faith Karimi,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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The farm is also accepting reservations for private events and has teased a coming lakefront vacation rental.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Stewart noted that Diana's experience of being hounded by the media resonated with her as someone who has had a famously tumultuous relationship with the press and the public's scrutiny of celebrity lives.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Feb. 2026
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That would've never happened if James hadn't hounded me (to take the UTSA job).—
Tom Orsborn,
San Antonio Express-News,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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How about the woman, believed to be a Chicago Public Schools teacher, who mocked Charlie Kirk’s assassination by using her hand like a gun and putting it to her neck?—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Some also mocked the add-on fees, including higher charges for larger items.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Jaden and Reigan Heskey clearly had the talent to make it in the sport, but for all Heskey’s pride at their achievements, fear nagged at him.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
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Still, versatile pass-catchers have nagged an otherwise excellent Joseph unit throughout 2025.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In a packed auditorium Wednesday night at the Idaho State Capitol, dozens of people with voices shaking and tears in their eyes begged lawmakers to hear their stories.—
Becca Savransky,
Idaho Statesman,
6 Feb. 2026
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At Dilley, Maria begged to be reunited with her cat, Milo.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The singer was dogged in his pursuit of the anthem assignment.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
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Her popularity comes even as much of the public remains skeptical of her party, which has been dogged by scandals and suffered two embarrassing parliamentary election losses in the last two years.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
8 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Needled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needled. Accessed 18 Feb. 2026.
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