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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

niggle

2 of 2

noun

chiefly British
1
as in quibble

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in qualm

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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
Henry dismisses Yasmin but can’t shake the niggling feeling that his wife isn’t entirely wrong. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026 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
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
  • Many advocates and lawmakers have complained that the system updates too slowly and contains too much inaccurate or missing information, allowing ICE to shield the locations of detainees for days or weeks.
    — Ryan J. Foley, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026
  • China is demanding the US ease export bans on high-tech goods, like chipmaking gear; the US bitterly complains about Chinese overproduction and transhipment.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 21 Sep. 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
  • That qualm still hasn’t been addressed by many of the key voices supporting the existence of prediction markets in all 50 states under federal oversight.
    — Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 18 Sep. 2026
  • One of the only qualms was the price tag, but a $1,200 markdown pretty much renders that moot.
    — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of qualm
Verb
  • Perhaps only a pedant—or a hypocrite—would fuss about that kind of imprecision.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 6 Sep. 2026
  • If the offensive line’s healthy again, RB Saquon Barkley will ramble again, broadening QB Jalen Hurts’ margin for error and being fussed at by the coaching staff.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of fuss
Noun
  • Plan for the content of the meeting, including the objections, concerns and reservations people may bring.
    — Inga Bielińska, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The other objection, pressed by organized labor, is that collective bargaining should fix all of this.
    — Lamell J. McMorris, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of objection
Noun
  • Parkinson’s is often marked by tremors, slow or impaired movement, tenseness or rigidity and difficulty balancing, as well as speech changes and loss of automatic motor functions like blinking or smiling, according to Mayo Clinic.
    — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Parkinson’s disease is a condition characterized by tremors, muscle rigidity, and problems with balance.
    — Mike McRae September 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of tremor
Verb
  • But on a night where there was little to nitpick, the Trojans weren’t exactly efficient on the ground.
    — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • This can lead to nitpicking as opposed to harnessing important details that can lead to practical solutions.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of nitpick
Noun
  • Facing a challenge from the right, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced Sunday that Italy would ban face coverings in schools.
    — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Trump’s announcement comes as the arch, like his other projects, faces legal challenges.
    — Seung Min Kim, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 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 23 Sep. 2026.

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