as in pokes
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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Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickles
Verb
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The second is a vent which pokes out above your clothes, to move warm air away from you.
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Perched on a finger of land that pokes into Lebanon, Metula is usually crowded with tourists this time of year.
Noun
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The team identified a continuous midline feature that began as a fleshy crest along the neck and trunk and transitioned over the hips into a single row of spikes running down the tail — each spike positioned over a single vertebra and fitted to each other.
Verb
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And who the f--- pierces a 12 year old?
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Lockwood’s music instills joy in listening, and such revitalized desire leaves your body freshly tender, sensitive to whatever pierces the ear.
Noun
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In a decision about gun regulations, Alito and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson traded barbs about whether historical gun laws that discriminated against Black people were relevant to the case.
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The candidates in the crowded field have traded barbs about Bores’ supposed ties to Big Tech and outside groups have poured millions into the race both supporting and opposing his proposals to regulate artificial intelligence.
Verb
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Considering Dylan Holloway was that pick, and the Oilers haven’t found much in any round of all the drafts since, the irony stings for fans of the team.
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If feedback stings, breathe, then ask one clarifying question so everyone understands your intent.
Noun
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The federal government’s relationship with Anthropic, one of the major US AI companies, has hit other snags, as well.
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The material hasn’t suffered any rips or snags, and the dust and dirt it’s collected is easy to wash off.
Verb
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Caulk holes around plumbing and sewer lines where roaches are likely to enter.
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Space the planting holes 18 to 24 inches apart and space rows 3 to 6 feet apart.
Cite this Entry
“Prickles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickles. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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