1
as in syringes
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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1
as in teases
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
2
as in dogs
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of needles
Jane Bua, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Thick, but soft textured needles are deep green and arranged in a spiral pattern along branches.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
Automation Some high-end machines automatically thread needles or automate functions by having users interact with a digital display screen.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
At another plant in Singapore, Polen says, BD had been discarding about 200 needles each shift, for 50 years, because they’d get clogged in the sandblasting process used to remove metal burrs.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
When spreading make sure to not have any clumps or needles stuck together.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 22 May 2026
Denver has invested in connecting people to health care and harm reduction efforts, such as offering clean needles and naloxone, Arnaiz said.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
The suit notes that wood, dirt and pine needles generally do not show up on X-rays.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 12 May 2026
Particularly fire-prone plants include eucalyptus, acacia, evergreens with fine needles, pampas grass and palms.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
As Thea’s former suitor, Tesman struggles to call her by her married name, a slip of the tongue that Hedda constantly needles him about.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Jake needles Harry about the past 50 years, but Harry can only offer scraps of history.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
Unpredictable hours, loud noises, finicky clients, wrenches, needles.
—Jane Bua, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
Thick, but soft textured needles are deep green and arranged in a spiral pattern along branches.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 27 May 2026
Automation Some high-end machines automatically thread needles or automate functions by having users interact with a digital display screen.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 25 May 2026
At another plant in Singapore, Polen says, BD had been discarding about 200 needles each shift, for 50 years, because they’d get clogged in the sandblasting process used to remove metal burrs.
—Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 22 May 2026
When spreading make sure to not have any clumps or needles stuck together.
—Asia London Palomba, The Spruce, 22 May 2026
Denver has invested in connecting people to health care and harm reduction efforts, such as offering clean needles and naloxone, Arnaiz said.
—Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 20 May 2026
The suit notes that wood, dirt and pine needles generally do not show up on X-rays.
—Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 12 May 2026
Particularly fire-prone plants include eucalyptus, acacia, evergreens with fine needles, pampas grass and palms.
—The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Verb
The Velvet Gang needles the outraged Christie ever so.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 May 2026
As Thea’s former suitor, Tesman struggles to call her by her married name, a slip of the tongue that Hedda constantly needles him about.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Jake needles Harry about the past 50 years, but Harry can only offer scraps of history.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needles
Noun
-
What are the indicators, the pre-indicators, things of that nature.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
3 June 2026
-
One of the report’s most interesting observations is that many of the cities and countries that score well on traditional indicators (safety, healthcare, infrastructure), are more difficult for expats to integrate into.—
Evie Carrick,
Travel + Leisure,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
Season one teases the turmoil ahead, after Dean finds out that Allie has slept with his very own (heated) rival, Hunter (Charlie Evans).—
Kenneal Patterson,
Vanity Fair,
29 May 2026
-
The preview also teases the roles of the supporting cast.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
The baby dogs will then be forced to play soccer to the death.—
Tony Maglio,
HollywoodReporter,
1 June 2026
-
These furry caregivers aren’t the typical therapy dogs volunteers bring to hospitals to comfort patients.—
Laura Ungar,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2026
Noun
-
In stock markets abroad, indexes were mixed across Europe and Asia.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2026
-
The four indexes were then weighted based on the survey results.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
In the final episode of the season, Max taunts Pip on her way to Stanley’s funeral as his companion, a young blonde, laughs and drinks wine.—
Nicole Briese,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
Newsom taunts Trump with multiple jabs as Florida redistricting fight ramps up.—
,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
An elixir of citrus-and-honey and a cool towel are pressed into your hands.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
In her hands, this truth is giddy rather than gutting.—
Jeremy Lybarger,
Artforum,
2 June 2026
Verb
-
Officials will continue to investigate the area for further evidence of poison bait, and also stressed the importance of the community's cooperation to discourage and prevent the use of poison baits against wildlife.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Whereas fast fashion baits consumers with poorly made clothing available for a limited time, Jendue takes a more elevated approach with high quality denim from Turkey.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
However, the cruise line offered complimentary shuttle rides to and from the shops, museums and cafes along the city’s Washington Street, just 20 minutes away.—
Nathan Diller,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
-
Join us for live music, catered lunch, golf cart rides to and from the parade, and free valet parking.—
Kris Slugg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Needles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needles. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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