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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in messing

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in lingering

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in dragging

to move slowly they were just poking along home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Once fished to the brink of extinction globally, sand tiger sharks, that iconic aquarium shark with a jaw of protruding, jagged teeth that only a mother could love, have been increasing in the Boston Harbor over the last decade.

— Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026
The face is a glossy black plastic with the exterior lenses slightly protruding, keeping the front from looking like a single flat surface.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of protruding

Verb

Much like on Baby Keem’s Ca$ino, another recent rap epic undone by its author’s inability to overcome lingering trauma, BigX can’t always navigate around his unnamed haters.

— Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
How relaxing and indulgent, wrapped in a plush bathrobe, lingering over lobster bisque, juicy steak and a bottle of red wine.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Oct. 2026

Definition of lingering

Verb

Difficulties dragging the Tyler Technologies project over the finish line dogged Preckwinkle throughout the primary.

— A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
After years of dragging friends through intense physical activities—zip-lining, gymnastics, pole, and even aerial skills—a game show felt like a lighter option, something everyone could enjoy.

— Chanté Joseph, Vogue, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of dragging

Adjective

Stuttering drum patterns and elastic basslines rub up against glossy keyboards and slow piano chords, blending early 2000s sounds with the futuristic sensuality of Kelela.

— Precious Fondren, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
On the earnings growth front, while emerging markets on average are expected to deliver a 45% improvement, India's forecast is much slower at 11%, as per Bernstein.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 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

Insects crawling around three-compartment sink and hand wash sink in kitchen.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 2 Nov. 2026
Pack a blackout sleep mask just in case There’s nothing worse than finally crawling into your hotel bed after a long travel day, only to discover that the curtains don’t fully close and a streetlight is shining directly onto your pillow.

— Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 1 Nov. 2026