niggle 1 of 2

verb

ˈni-gəl How to pronounce niggle (audio)
Definition of nigglenext
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

niggle

2 of 2

noun

chiefly British
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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of niggle
Verb
Eda knew from experience that with too much time to think came the niggling whispers of common sense. — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026 Car buyers who want to limit in-person negotiating, or at least that niggling feeling that a dealership is pulling one over on them, might be soothed by an internet full of information. — Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 18 Jan. 2026
Noun
Williamson played her first 90 minutes in the Women’s Super League in January but has struggled to play consecutive full 90-minute games for her club this season due to minor niggles. — James McNicholas, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 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
  1. complain
  2. quibble
  3. qualm
  4. fuss
  5. objection
  6. tremor
  7. nitpick
  8. challenge
Verb
  • Rodriguez said in a May phone interview with the Herald that detainees had been complaining when a guard approached him and told him to walk out of the cage where he and other men were housed.
    — Churchill Ndonwie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026
  • At the local level, administrators often complain there is little clarity on what is expected of them and, too often, outright conflict.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of complain
Noun
  • Still, this is a small quibble next to the accomplishment of this book.
    — John Warner, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026
  • The band, expanded to include touring keyboardist Loren Gold, seemed exhilarated, if a little stiff at times, a first-night quibble that will surely self-correct.
    — Joshua Rothkopf, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
Definition of quibble
Noun
  • Luckily, this deal squashes that qualm by knocking over $300 from the sticker shocker!
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
  • But his qualms weren’t about the level of destruction in Gaza or the high civilian toll, both of which drew global outrage.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of qualm
Verb
  • Yes, teaching by example is often a better way of handling a challenge than fussing about it.
    — Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 17 June 2026
  • No need to fuss-up something that's just as delicious prepared simply.
    — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 June 2026
Definition of fuss
Noun
  • At the time, the Department of Justice argued that the president could sidestep the Insurrection Act to send armed troops into American streets over the objection of local leaders.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
  • When a videographer understands the audience’s doubts, objections or knowledge gaps, the script, visuals and tone become more intentional.
    — Tavares Beverly, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • The tremor caused the rubble to shift even closer, leaving him with even less room to move.
    — Sonia Osorio, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
  • Are the foundations laid in 1776 and 1789 still strong enough and sound enough to resist the tremors of our times?
    — Susan Page, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of tremor
Verb
  • Tucker even nitpicked the nine-pitch at-bat that ended in the pull-side homer.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • While there’s still room for these players to develop (and areas to nitpick), the only major disappointments of this class came early and late, with Jones and cornerback Cory Trice Jr.
    — Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 10 June 2026
Definition of nitpick
Noun
  • Rolison shared some of his experiences, ups and downs with the Colorado Rockies, the challenges of coming back from injuries and the business side of the game.
    — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • Editorially, the biggest challenge was giving the film a coherent throughline that interpreted the events for audiences in a comprehensible and entertaining way.
    — Michael James Rocha, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2026
Definition of challenge

Browse Nearby Words

nifty
niggle
niggled
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Cite this Entry

“Niggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/niggle. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.

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