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
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
New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for niggle
Verb
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
Noun
Cambridge Audio appears to have taken minor niggles from its user community to heart and this update is the result.
—New Atlas, 22 Aug. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for niggle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for niggle
Verb
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When Maguire first complained about the extra charges, the nurse practitioner wasn't aware the hospital fees were being assessed.—
Ken Alltucker,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
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Critics also complain that Dodge, known for its muscle cars, muffed its transition to hybrid power systems.—
Aldo Svaldi,
Denver Post,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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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Hayden Hackney is an all-rounder but also one of the Championship’s best at getting his team upfield, and would have no qualms helping out a Sunderland side who will continue to prioritise defensive solidity until May — and probably beyond.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
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Klum has no qualms about sharing a topless moment with her fans.—
Meg Walters,
InStyle,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Emma looked around, confused at the adults fussing around him and too young, perhaps, to grasp the severity of the scene.—
Maeva Bambuck,
CNN Money,
1 Feb. 2026
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Need to put a filling dinner on the table, but don't have a lot of time to fuss?—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
22 Dec. 2025
Noun
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They were joined by other celebrities wearing the pins to voice their objections to ICE, including Justin Bieber, Samara Joy, Kehlani, Lachi, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Teddy Swims also wore the pins.—
Washington Examiner Staff,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Feb. 2026
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The deadline to file a claim is March 21, while the deadline to file an objection to the settlement is March 27.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Weak shaking was observed, with reports from cities such as Pleasanton and San Ramon indicating that the tremor was felt, according to the USGS DYFI report.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
3 Feb. 2026
-
In addition to tremors emanating from within the planet, these sensors detect explosions, traffic vibrations and even the vocalizations made by whales in the oceans.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
24 Jan. 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
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The judges said the plaintiffs should have mounted their legal challenge within four years from the time the statistical methods were used.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Peskoe and others are watching court challenges to the DOE emergency orders closely, seeing if courts weigh in on this use of emergency powers to decide what kinds of energy should remain on the grid longer.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Niggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/niggle. Accessed 8 Feb. 2026.
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