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
Relevance
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
-
The large Sunbridge development is planned nearby, but there are no current residents anywhere near it to complain.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Mar. 2026
-
But Kesselman said his sister had unbelievable courage and never complained.—
Natalie McMillan,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Sure, there are some quibbles with the 10 best picture nominees.—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
No, the writing is not as sharp as Season 1, and there are some outlandish elements designed to create tension that come off as a little too preposterous, but these are minor quibbles.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
But ultimately, the Church’s key qualm is rooted in spirituality.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
6 Mar. 2026
-
But Johnson had no such qualms.—
Caleb Yum,
Austin American Statesman,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Your son is fussing in his car seat.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The moral objections to looksmaxxing are numerous, severe, and obvious.—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Tillis went to the Senate floor shortly afterward and passed a resolution, with no objections, to place the plaque on the Senate side.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The political tremors triggered by the ballot measure already have reshaped California’s political landscape.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Weak to light shaking has been detected and people reported feeling the tremor in several cities, including Geyserville, Kelseyville and Cloverdale according to the USGS DYFI report.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Sure, scouts will nitpick his profile.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
While her intentions may stem from concern, her nitpicking mirrors this Earth sign’s shadow side.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Multiple candidates among the leading contenders represent diverse backgrounds and experiences capable of addressing California’s major challenges.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Progressive groups are vowing to mount challenges from the left to any lawmaker who opposes the war powers vote, Axios reported.—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
5 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Niggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/niggle. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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