preen

Definition of preennext

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 The two birds often perch very close together, preening each other’s feathers — a behavior called allopreening — which probably helps strengthen their bond. Cecilia Rodriguez, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 As these gentlemen posed and preened, a new, colonial modern style emerged. H.m.a. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 13 Sep. 2025 The markets react, the politicians preen, and most Americans go about their day trying to just get to the weekend around the corner. Philip Elliott, Time, 6 Aug. 2025 Listen for roosters crowing and watch the roads and hay bales for hungry and preening birds. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for preen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preen
Verb
  • However, don’t expect consumers to gloat about their unserious experiences and products.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 2 Jan. 2026
  • No wonder Newsom gloating after the Texas court decision came down.
    Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Murphy is obsessed with their maximalism: the richest of the rich, the most snatched of all waists, the plucked and primped and plumped and pressed.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Hundreds of them were on hand this week to primp and pamper more than 2,500 cows competing at what is widely considered to be the Westminster Dog Show of the cattle world.
    Hope Karnopp, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
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
Verb
  • To watch her extraordinary third feature is to exult in the obvious fact that Fastvold is one of them.
    David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 1 Dec. 2025
  • Moody turned to exult in his teammates’ ensuing celebration, and the following made free throw helped Golden State take a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter.
    Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Preen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preen. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

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