pointer

noun

ˈpȯin-tər How to pronounce pointer (audio)
Definition of pointernext
1
as in needle
an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information the pointer on my bathroom scale must be stuck—I know I lost weight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in tip
a piece of advice or useful information especially from an expert the instructor gave me a few pointers but otherwise let me do the cooking by myself

Synonyms & Similar 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 pointer In addition, all five starters knocked down at least one 3-pointer and scored in double-digits to add to the stat sheet. — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The 6-foot-2 forward scored the game’s first points for the 11th time this year, making two 3-pointers in the game’s first three minutes. — Marisa Ingemi, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026 The five-time All-Star and four-time EuroLeague champion broke the WNBA single-game record by making 10 3-pointers Sunday in a 103-90 victory over the Dallas Wings. — ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026 The crossover doesn’t shake him and Maxey is forced to relent— instead passing out to Paul George for a 3-pointer. — Tom Rende, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pointer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pointer
  1. needle
  2. tip
  3. indicator
  4. index
Noun
  • Sony clearly wants to thread the needle of appropriately characterizing the new film while stoking audience nostalgia for its counterpart.
    — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The doctor controls the blade or needle under high magnification.
    — Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of needle
Noun
  • San Bernardino deputies said the Sheriff's Rural Crimes Task Force took over the investigation and asked anyone with tips to send them to law enforcement.
    — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • But Spain and the northeastern tip of Portugal will experience a special spectacle as totality, which will last just under two minutes, occurs right before sunset.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of tip
Noun
  • Accessibility Offering dedicated rooms for those with limited mobility, elevator access to all floors, and specialized light indicators on room numbers and in-room telephones, the property prides itself on being accessibility-friendly.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The key indicator is that Newmont Mining, the largest constituent of the gold miners, has broken through the 150-day moving average.
    — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of indicator
Noun
  • Friday will see retail sales data for July and the preliminary Michigan consumer sentiment index.
    — Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Spain’s index score still falls within the upper echelons of an individualist culture, but is lower than some of its fellow major footballing nations, including France, Germany, Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and the Netherlands.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of index

Browse Nearby Words

pointed (up)
pointer
pointers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pointer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pointer. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pointer

Nglish: Translation of pointer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pointer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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