1
as in nibbled
to eat reluctantly and in small bites
found out that fashion models never really eat—they just peck at small meals in expensive restaurants
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in stabbed
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
the bird continued to peck the suet cake intently
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pecked
Standing right behind the decoy, the bird cautiously sized up George, pecked him on the head, then jumped and used his spurs to knock George to the ground.
—
Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
The muscular gizzard contains grit pecked up from the chicken’s ground feeding, which is used to crush up the chicken’s food.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
The two teams faced off again on Sunday, and once again, the Birds pecked Kansas City, this time in a three-point victory.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 13 Mar. 2026
The muscular gizzard contains grit pecked up from the chicken’s ground feeding, which is used to crush up the chicken’s food.
—Josh Miller, Southern Living, 21 Feb. 2026
The two teams faced off again on Sunday, and once again, the Birds pecked Kansas City, this time in a three-point victory.
—Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pecked
Verb
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For years, not having enough money nibbled at my aunt’s health.—
Jenisha Watts,
The Atlantic,
2 Mar. 2026
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What Wear's cocktail reception at Kabawa brought together names like Lana Condor, Tefi Pessoa and Jessel Taank, who joined in the festivities as guests nibbled on oysters and mini beef patties (with goody bags presented by Maison BCBG on the way out the door).—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sanchez's 12-year-old son, Marcus Figueroa, was stabbed 25 times and feigned death in order to survive.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
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Ricks also stabbed Sanchez’s other son, 12-year-old Marcus Figueroa.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated March 12,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The team tested its ability to bend, be compressed, and even punctured.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Mar. 2026
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With a trip to the Etihad to come on Saturday, Newcastle's uplift could swiftly be punctured.—
Chris Waugh,
New York Times,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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His belongings and debris were scattered across his lawn, and his trailer was frozen in the air, pierced by a tree.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
12 Mar. 2026
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Hours later, an inspection of a helicopter that responded to the shooting call at Byers’ home revealed a bullet had pierced the tail.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Physical abuse reports involve workers being jabbed with kitchen tools, pushed and punched in the face and stomach by chef René Redzepi and others under him who adopted his management style and culture.—
Shindy Chen
March 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
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An agent in Massachusetts jabbed his finger and thumb into the neck and arteries of a young father who refused to be separated from his wife and 1-year-old daughter.—
Nicole Foy,
ProPublica,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Pirates were picked to finish last in the preseason coaches’ poll.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
11 Mar. 2026
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And said controversy began the very moment that the Dolphins picked Tagovailoa.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With a defense-first lineup stuck on the floor and no opportunity to advance the ball, the Nuggets had no choice but to settle for a 60-foot prayer by Gordon at the buzzer.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
10 Mar. 2026
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One of the problems with attracting qualified teachers is tied to a retirement system stuck in the past.—
Mark Batinick,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pecked.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pecked. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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