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 Thompson’s made baskets in the period were a transition 3-pointer and a driving layup. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026 Jonathan Bachman / Getty Images Borlase hit consecutive 3-pointers to give the Dream a 75-67 lead late in the third quarter. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026 The 3-pointer remains a go-to shot With Knueppel and Ball finishing first and second in the league in 3-pointers made last season, Ball’s absence and Knueppel’s injury could have slowed down shooting beyond the arc Tuesday night. — Charlotte Observer, 7 Oct. 2026 Brazile got the nod and played a solid game, highlighted by a pair of blocks and an above-the-break 3-pointer. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pointer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pointer
  1. needle
  2. tip
  3. indicator
  4. index
Noun
  • What’s going to move the shopping needle for accessories for spring 2027 will most likely be driven by unprecedented colors.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Diesel prices have come off their all-time highs in recent weeks, but the key industrial fuel has already moved the needle across the economy and financial markets, making affordability a more potent issue in the midterm elections.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of needle
Noun
  • The staff are attentive and put in a lot of effort, ready to share tips and favourite restaurants, and really go the extra mile to make your stay pleasant and memorable.
    — Julia Wytrazek, TheWeek, 13 Oct. 2026
  • After Collins’ family reported her missing, police followed a tip to the Pham’s unit, nestled behind NoDa’s main strip, and found Collins wrapped in duct tape and stuffed into a mattress.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of tip
Noun
  • The index is a weighted sum of six sub-indices that are derived from Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data, PMI comments trackers and PMI commodity price and supply indicators that are compiled by S&P Global.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The broad market's rise lifted some components of the S & P 500 – notably a few energy stocks – into overbought territory, based on the relative strength index (RSI), a momentum indicator that tracks the velocity and size of price changes.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of indicator
Noun
  • The case mortality rate is the best index for quantifying care, said the IDF medical specialist.
    — Benjamin Weinthal, FOXNews.com, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The broad market's rise lifted some components of the S & P 500 – notably a few energy stocks – into overbought territory, based on the relative strength index (RSI), a momentum indicator that tracks the velocity and size of price changes.
    — Tobias Burns, CNBC, 10 Oct. 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 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pointer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pointer

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