as in to pierce
to cause or experience an unpleasant feeling that is like the feeling of having many small, sharp points against your skin
The burrs were prickling my arm. The wool sweater prickled my skin.
Related Words
Relevance
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 prickle
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2024
Paul Leonard-Morgan’s score is haunting and foreboding, making the hairs on the back of our neck prickle.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Mar. 2023
Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite.
—CBS News, 4 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for prickle
Verb
The guitar riff prickles nervously; the melody pleads in the manner of a hungry pet; Parton sings, in a trembling tone, about the woman who could and very well might take her man.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 29 Mar. 2024
Paul Leonard-Morgan’s score is haunting and foreboding, making the hairs on the back of our neck prickle.
—Courtney Howard, Variety, 16 Mar. 2023
Noun
This endless, headlong energy can produce a caffeinated buzz that rises to the brain on little prickling bubbles of enjoyment.
—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025
There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite.
—CBS News, 4 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for prickle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickle
Verb
-
Polish officials said Russian drones pierced their airspace 19 times from late Tuesday night to Wednesday morning.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The morning sun barely pierced the haze over Maitighar Mandala, yet the atmosphere was electric.—
Sonal Nain,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Research indicates that younger consumers, for example, experienced significantly higher inflation than older adults during 2021 during the most recent spike in inflation, according to Jeff Horwich, senior economics writer for the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Buffalo, known for end-of-half blunders in past years, scored a field goal as the first half expired after moving the ball 48 yards in three plays (including a spike).—
Mike Sando,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Stars not just in front of, but within the dusty nebula, poke through all but the densest gas.—
Ethan Siegel,
Big Think,
8 Sep. 2025
-
In July 2024, Thompson's daughter Gaia shared a cheeky post on her Instagram Stories poking fun at 2023's Barbie movie's tagline — and Thompson's ex, Kenneth Branagh.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The barbs were frequently aimed at the gruff owner of Mel’s Diner played by the late Vic Tayback.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Democratic and Republican leaders have traded barbs over whom or what is to blame in this case — and for violence nationwide.—
Holly Yan,
CNN Money,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The lakes froze thick enough to skate across, the air stung sharp in the lungs, and the game every boy seemed to dream about was hockey.—
Zach Sweet,
Kansas City Star,
9 Sep. 2025
-
It’s revealed that Sklar was Lori’s inspiration as a child to become an artist, only to crush that spark a dozen or so years later with stinging cruelty.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
While this usually indicates a healthy corporate sector, some worry this narrowness may lead investors to misprice risks, particularly as some industries hit snags in an uncertain economic environment.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
-
On the northeast and east side, firefighting crews continue to mop up and strengthen existing lines by removing snags and completing hose lays across steep, rocky terrain, and old-growth vegetation.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As casting choices go, here is an extreme case where there are no limits on who can play what, sure to tickle some and tick off others on both sides of the aisle.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
-
And he probably would have been tickled by the fact that the same person also invented the inkjet printer.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
If parents want to do something special, Russell recommends quickly using a cookie cutter on a sandwich or adding a sticker alongside the snacks.—
Kate Sequeira,
Boston Herald,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Here is how to properly read a car window sticker.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Prickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickle. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share