POKING Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

poking 1 of 2

adjective

as in leisurely

moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed the poking pace of the repair work has put everything way behind schedule

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poking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of poke

as in protruding

to extend outward beyond a usual point saw his head poking through the window

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as in messing

to interest oneself in what is not one's concern told him to stop poking into other people's business

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as in lingering

to move or act slowly just poked around all morning and didn't accomplish much

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as in dragging

to move slowly they were just poking along home

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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 poking

Verb

But with just a step to her other side or a shake of her head on stage, the near-auburn shade moves to the forefront, with dimensional pieces of golden blonde poking through. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 30 Oct. 2026 The smallest of the dogs, a fluffy little white-and-gray thing, is poking out of a red box on the dog keeper’s lap. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026 Noah Cates scored his first goal of the season by poking a loose puck past Talbot, while Trevor Zegras cut the deficit to 3-2 with just under five minutes left in regulation. — CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026 In a recent interview with OutKick Dropkick, Hefner was already poking the bear in hopes of getting eyes on his event. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026 The persona non grata formerly known as Prince Andrew is suddenly feeling emboldened, poking his head over the parapet of Marsh Farm, a relatively modest five-bedroom farmhouse on the King’s Sandringham Estate, in Norfolk. — Ashley Baker, Air Mail, 10 Oct. 2026 Video posted to social media showed one car nearly submerged, with just its sunroof poking above the water, as people moved other vehicles farther from the rising tides. — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026 One of the most iconic fall looks is a pair of tall boots with a knit sock poking over the top. — Mia Huelsbeck, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026 And in those text messages, the fiancé, Richard Falor, appears to be poking holes in her story in the days following Park's disappearance. — Andrea May Sahouri, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poking

Adjective

Guests also have access to a sunny terrace and a shared pool, ideal for leisurely afternoons.

— Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
But for me the wow factor started weeks out with a leisurely but extremely detailed call with a kindly staffer who took down all of our details.

— Kate Berlant, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of leisurely

Verb

The original runway design featured tiny, sculptural antlers protruding from the collar, though these appear to have been removed for Jenner’s red-carpet outing.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
Wire-thin cables protruding from the implant exit Pancho’s skull through the coin-sized opening.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of protruding

Verb

The results raised long-standing concerns over the quality of work and whether the lingering contamination could present risks to the residents.

— Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
An upper-level low moving overhead could produce a few lingering showers north of I-78, especially in the Poconos and far northern New Jersey, but Philadelphia and most of South Jersey should stay dry.

— CBS News, CBS News, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of lingering

Verb

When a 69-year-old doctor refused, security officers forcibly removed him, dragging him down the aisle bloody, concussed, and with a broken nose and missing teeth.

— Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
The clip sees the singer in Hollywood and Paris, dragging a golden skeleton across the city landscapes.

— Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of dragging

Adjective

Increasingly, there are elevated places to stay that preserve the soul of this place, opening in a slow trickle like Valbona Resort and Spa (2024) and SeSam Villas in Theth (2025).

— Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
The Bears jumped out to a 9-2 lead as USC was slow getting going offensively and committed three quick turnovers.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of slow

Verb

The Republican representatives are also requesting an update on former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who was charged with interfering in public procurement for road construction.

— Chris Massaro, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026
Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro also warned Canada last month against interfering in the midterms.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of interfering

Verb

The Spurs jumped on Buzelis from the first pass of the second half, crawling up into his space and launching quick doubles that left the wing reeling for the remainder of the game.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 Nov. 2026
Insects crawling around three-compartment sink and hand wash sink in kitchen.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026