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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of prickle
Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 Dec. 2025
It is spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal, and first symptoms may include flu, weakness, discomfort, fever, headache, as well as a prickling sensation at the site of the wound, before turning into more severe disease after around two weeks.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Your skin prickles, adrenaline spikes — and that primal fight-or-flight instinct kicks in.
—Sarah Hutter, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickle
Verb
People with peripheral neuropathy may experience pins and needles sensations, such as tingling and prickling, in their extremities.
—Laura Dorwart, Health, 22 Dec. 2025
It is spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal, and first symptoms may include flu, weakness, discomfort, fever, headache, as well as a prickling sensation at the site of the wound, before turning into more severe disease after around two weeks.
—Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
For the spice-averse crowd, don’t be daunted by the chiles — the hot chocolate’s rich milkiness brings the potential punch down to a gentle prickle on the tongue.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 Dec. 2025
Your skin prickles, adrenaline spikes — and that primal fight-or-flight instinct kicks in.
—Sarah Hutter, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prickle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickle
Verb
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The Teen Mom star shared a joint post on Instagram with her daughter Sophia after the teenager got ear gauges and her belly button pierced.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
14 Apr. 2026
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Branches pierced the roof over their living room and their bedroom.—
Noel Brennan,
CBS News,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Many working-class red-state voters—for whom Vance’s right-populist brand is designed—seem dismayed by the spike in gas prices and the neglect of problems at home.—
Amy Davidson Sorkin,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
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Following a spike in pedestrian deaths after the COVID-19 pandemic, San Francisco implemented aggressive traffic enforcement tactics which led to a 42% drop in total traffic deaths in 2025.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Officers poked a hole in the bag and found the elder Ordonez's body.—
Annasofia Scheve,
San Antonio Express-News,
13 Apr. 2026
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France has one of the highest top income tax rates in the European Union and Briere’s treatment sparked a flurry of social media commentary in France, with some poking fun at the taxman’s pursuit of the government’s dues.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The script, written by Lowery, is filled with aphoristic barbs, especially from Sam.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
16 Apr. 2026
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LAist climate reporter Erin Stone, who was recently wounded by stingray’s barb herself, writes that warming waters attract more rays and make these painful encounters more likely.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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With a stinging defeat in the rearview mirror, Charles Lee knows the task at hand for the Charlotte Hornets.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Apr. 2026
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Okay, this one might sting a little.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Your intense focus can turn initial success into lasting momentum, while positive self-talk prevents burnout if any snags slow the pace.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
17 Apr. 2026
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But in typical Netflix-binge-method fashion, the episode’s closing sequence obliterates any narrative snags by shocking us with a cliffhanger.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Amy Heckerling, in her feature debut, has proven herself to be a truly gifted director, able to tickle the ribs with one hand while the other tugs at the heartstrings.—
Gina Friedlande,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Apr. 2026
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If any of those tickle your fancy, stop at Shyboy for music, art and a drink.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas Morning News,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Fanatics will increase its presence in the global soccer landscape by gaining future exclusive licensing rights to produce trading cards and sticker books for the men’s and women’s national teams for England, Brazil, Germany and Italy, multiple sources have told The Athletic.—
Larry Holder,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
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This might include card games, fidget toys, coloring books, brain puzzles, magazines, sticker books—whatever your kid likes.—
Wendy Wisner,
Parents,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickle. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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