PREEN Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

preen

verb

Definition of preen

as in to gloat

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Dissimilar Words

as in to primp

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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 preen Kea are among the animals known to use tools, and in 2021 Bruce gained fame for employing a pebble to help preen himself. — Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026 Cher, our stand-in for Emma Woodhouse, is the it-girl at the center of it all, confident and unflappable in her place in the hierarchy—but with a hint of narcissism that gives her a preening over-confidence in her capabilities. — Literary Hub, 16 Apr. 2026 Give birds a place to preen by setting up a bird bath in your flower bed. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026 Although this is a routine preening behavior, the timing of the click took an ordinary grooming moment and gave it a theatrical twist. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preen

Verb

The guards outside the Red Keep surrender, but inside – where the dragons cannot go – is another matter, and the two fight their way to the throne room, where a large contingent of men-at-arms and knights awaits, gloating.

— Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Everyone in New York would gloat about all those people in the country with their houses getting ticks.

— Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 25 June 2026

Definition of gloat

Verb

Messi, at 35, led his country to glory against France, winning soccer’s ultimate prize in a pulsating match that finished 3-3 after extra time and had to be settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

— Patrick Smith, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2022
If Harris can bring together a family with Indian, African, and Jewish heritage, America can glory in its diversity.

— Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2020

Definition of glory

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preempts

preen

preened

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“Preen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preen. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of preen

verb

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