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
-
One memory in particular taunted me.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
22 Sep. 2025
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The two half-brothers had argued frequently, taunted one another online, and called each other derogatory names, both sides agreed.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Lawyers for Cook urged the court not to fire her, rejecting the allegations.—
Claire Cameron,
semafor.com,
28 Sep. 2025
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South African products were pulled from grocery stores in the West, campaigners urged divestment and bank exits, and many musicians refused to play in the apartheid state.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The wind traders are teased throughout the new trailer in what appear to be large flying apparatus.—
Tommy McArdle,
PEOPLE,
25 Sep. 2025
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In an interview ahead of the first film’s release, Statham teased the possibility of a sequel.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Italian city imposes a tourist tax on dogs Dog owners visiting the Italian city of Bolzano will be hounded for taxes to offset the cost of street cleaning and to fund new parks.—
Alexandra Banner,
CNN Money,
24 Sep. 2025
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For almost a year, the sheriff has been hounded by criticism from former employees.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Pirate and sailor, Muslim and Christian, Turk and Spaniard, master and slave—both mocked as cripples.—
Ed Simon
September 22,
Literary Hub,
22 Sep. 2025
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Carlson’s remarks echoed concerns raised by other conservatives over efforts to shut down and seek retribution against those who have mocked Kirk’s death or have been openly critical of his hardline political views.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 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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Lishay Lava-Mira begged for her husband Omri to come home.—
Greg Palkot,
FOXNews.com,
20 Sep. 2025
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The second quarter earnings news that comparable store sales were growing for the first time in years was the catalyst that begged a second look and juiced the stock price.—
Greg Petro,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The delay in the completion of Raye’s second album is unfortunately of a piece with setbacks that once dogged her.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
18 Sep. 2025
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Offshore wind projects have high initial costs, in large part because of limited supply chains and high inflation rates that have dogged the entire US economy for several years.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Needled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needled. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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