as in to complain
to make often peevish criticisms or objections about matters that are minor, unimportant, or irrelevant
you know it drives me crazy when you niggle like that
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in quibble
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in qualm
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of niggle
George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Later though, the conversation niggled at me.
—Rachel Linden, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
For example, experiencing a consistent niggle in your hip while running may actually be due to pelvic floor dysfunction.
—Jordan Smith, Outside, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for niggle
Verb
There are niggling, nagging, familiar concerns, like not taking chances, like being hit on the counter, but our section erupts when Willock scores and then erupts again when his goal is ruled out.
—George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2026
Later though, the conversation niggled at me.
—Rachel Linden, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
The last thing new parents need is an injury or niggle, but for those who are keen to start clocking up the miles, a new study offers some surprising reassurance: running with a stroller may actually lower the risk of injury.
—Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
For example, experiencing a consistent niggle in your hip while running may actually be due to pelvic floor dysfunction.
—Jordan Smith, Outside, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for niggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for niggle
Verb
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Some of them posted on social media to complain about the situation.—
Greg O'Keeffe,
New York Times,
23 Feb. 2026
-
Members of Congress have complained that only about half of existing documents, many with redactions, have been made public even as Justice Department officials have said everything has been released, except for some files that can’t be made public until a judge gives the go-ahead.—
Michael R. Sisak,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
My one quibble with Lisa Rinna on the show is that her iconic hair is looking a little flat.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Jan. 2026
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The only quibble is the show primarily runs on weekends only.—
Todd Martens,
Boston Herald,
30 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Some have decided that AI is either simply fake (this is not the experience of the software engineers now using it at remarkable scale), while others have substantive qualms about its impact on culture, politics, and labor that seem to be captured in support for local opposition to data centers.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
23 Feb. 2026
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In China, fans have no qualms about her dual identity – even celebrating her two silver medals this week and defending her against any criticisms for missing out on gold.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Asparagus fern is very tolerant of indoor living, doesn't fuss too much about watering schedules, and can make do with less-than-ideal lighting conditions.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
16 Feb. 2026
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Your son is fussing in his car seat.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The state’s hospitals, which have an extensive lobbying group at the state Capitol, have raised objections to Lamont’s budget regarding the tax that most hospitals pay.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
22 Feb. 2026
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These objections have become highly politicized, though in surprising ways.—
Elizabeth Weise,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Symptoms of avian flu in birds include neurological signs like swimming or walking in circles, unnatural head tilts, tremors, seizures and difficulty flying.—
Alexandra Simon,
CBS News,
24 Feb. 2026
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Moderate to strong shaking has been recorded and people reported feeling the tremor in multiple cities, including San Francisco, Sonoma and Santa Rosa according to the USGS DYFI report.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While her intentions may stem from concern, her nitpicking mirrors this Earth sign’s shadow side.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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So your first indication of problems can be a client who nitpicks every job, forcing you to return to re-trim the 2-inch patch of sod that the client claims wasn’t properly manicured.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The challenge is knowing how to find one.—
Lauren Schuster,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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Smith was represented in his challenge by attorney James Dillon, who said that any further challenges would be up to his client.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Niggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/niggle. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
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