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
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Recent Examples of niggle
Mark Carey, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Either side of that knock and a muscle niggle in December, Fati has been unable to convince Flick of his worth as the German revealed in a prematch press conference to preview Wednesday's 5-1 Copa del Rey last 16 win over Real Betis.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Wayne Chan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
In contrast, Pritzker took a more assertive posture during the hearing in which he was also niggled on off-topics, including Illinois’s transgender policies.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for niggle
Verb
Some of the tweaks to personnel have been born out of necessity, through suspensions (Nicolas Jackson, Moises Caicedo, Levi Colwill and Liam Delap) or injury niggles (e.g. Romeo Lavia and Reece James).
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Either side of that knock and a muscle niggle in December, Fati has been unable to convince Flick of his worth as the German revealed in a prematch press conference to preview Wednesday's 5-1 Copa del Rey last 16 win over Real Betis.
—Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
There’s been a series of niggling frustrations in my life the last few weeks.
—Wayne Chan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2025
In contrast, Pritzker took a more assertive posture during the hearing in which he was also niggled on off-topics, including Illinois’s transgender policies.
—Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 13 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for niggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for niggle
Verb
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Gil complained that the mound was slick, and the grounds crew came out to work on it in between innings.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
13 Sep. 2025
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Although the underlings complained about my methods, the cartel leaders, like Pedro and his boss, El Viejo, a key deputy of Pablo Escobar, were on my side.—
Martin Suarez,
Rolling Stone,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Of course, these are minor quibbles, proposed by a man (strike one) obsessed with politics (strike two).—
Graham Hillard,
The Washington Examiner,
22 Aug. 2025
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One quibble: the notable lack of San Diego beers made this a bittersweet read.—
Peter Rowe,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 July 2025
Noun
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Daniel has a special way of gathering folks who hold no qualms with showcasing their talent; so to see the historic dance company in this part of the city was such a distinct moment.—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
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My only qualm is that there was no dance-off between members of the Bananas and their bitter rivals, the Party Animals.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Others might tell you that hosting an awards show is a thankless gig, but Bargatze doesn’t seem fussed.—
Lacey Rose,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Sep. 2025
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This was the mid 1980s and tandem skydiving hadn’t been popularized yet, so his father, Roger, adjusted accordingly by stuffing carpet padding into the leg pads to stop him from fussing.—
Angelina Liu,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Participants met with the Hawks’ sales leadership for two hours every Friday, with lessons covering scheduling appointments, working through objections, and using and developing sales scripts.—
Ryan Stowers,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Nearly every question and observation drew objections from prosecutors.—
Kinsey Crowley,
USA Today,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Weak shaking was registered, and people in multiple cities - such as Tehachapi, Lebec and Frazier Park - reported feeling the tremor, according to the USGS DYFI report.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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The quake hit at a depth of about 7 miles and was centered roughly 40 miles southeast of Athens, where tremors were felt but no immediate damage or injuries were reported.—
Shane Croucher
John Feng,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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However, some less-than-supportive viewers were quick to nitpick her glam choices for nationals, including her makeup for the final round.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
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That might seem like nitpicking, except this is a franchise that has had the luxury of starting-caliber linemen as reserves.—
Zach Berman,
New York Times,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Nordic countries also have very ambitious environmental agendas, but face permitting challenges.—
Michaila Byrne,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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Navigating these turbulent waters requires a strategic reframing of the narrative, where challenges are seen not as insurmountable obstacles, but as springboards for growth and innovation.—
Heather V. MacArthur,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Niggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/niggle. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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