as in stinging
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as in poking
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 prickling
Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Retatrutide has shown similar side effects, as well as a prickling sensation known as dysesthesia.
—Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
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
Whitefish salad prickling with chile and festooned with great tufts of cilantro.
—Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Jakobus speaks in an Old World dialect, Pilsner, delivering brisk herbal aromas, hints of fresh levain bread and a prickling hop bitterness.
—Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
As Luke walks off, his shirt undone and his furry belly prickling in the desert cold, Danny turns and stares out into the backyard.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2026
Retatrutide has shown similar side effects, as well as a prickling sensation known as dysesthesia.
—Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026
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
Whitefish salad prickling with chile and festooned with great tufts of cilantro.
—Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
Jakobus speaks in an Old World dialect, Pilsner, delivering brisk herbal aromas, hints of fresh levain bread and a prickling hop bitterness.
—Peter Rowe, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prickling
Adjective
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Jean-Philippe Mateta, named in France’s World Cup squad earlier this month, reacted superbly after Rayo keeper Augusto Batalla could only parry a stinging Wharton shot from the edge of the box.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
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Coming up short in the 2025 ISL boys lacrosse championship left a stinging sensation for Tabor Academy.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
17 May 2026
Verb
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In partnership with Underdog, a popular daily fantasy sports (DFS) and pick'em betting platform, Brooks revealed a one-of-a-kind board game poking fun at SGA.—
Jon Root OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
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Plenty of skilled directors can manipulate tension and fear while still poking us toward nervous laughter.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
22 May 2026
Adjective
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Vinicus followed up his stunning early strike with a series of nagging runs, tugging the Panamanians’ back line into awkward shapes.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
-
Realmuto has also dealt with a nagging foot injury.—
Tom Ignudo,
CBS News,
31 May 2026
Verb
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According to Sadriu, the firearm, which was allegedly loaded with armor-piercing ammunition, was seized as evidence.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
5 June 2026
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As Stankiewicz attempted to utter another sentence, the train’s ear-piercing horn sounded.—
Jose de Jesus Ortiz,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Adjective
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Dickerson was the first physician to treat Mike Studeny, who was diagnosed with a non-bleeding stroke.—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
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In tests using mice, after surgical damage to the liver, AGCL was able to perform significantly better than other current anti-bleeding agents, with normal liver function returning just two weeks after its application.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Please tell me the sequel could answer the most burning question of the ’00s: How could Austin not recognize Sam in that mask?—
Stephanie McNeal,
Glamour,
13 Aug. 2025
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Cooper, 30, asked Hargitay one more burning question about the actors' on-screen alter egos: will Olivia and Elliot ever end up together?—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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The moon’s connection to Mercury sets your spidey-senses tingling.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
7 June 2026
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Immediate symptoms can include hives, wheezing, itching, or a tingling feeling around the lips or mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, coughing or shortness of breath, and vomiting.—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
5 June 2026
Verb
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The patched up, uneven Balboa Stadium track was so hard that regular artificial surface spikes had trouble penetrating it.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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Research has shown that when the device doesn't conform to the face, light just reflects away from the skin surface instead of penetrating it.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prickling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickling. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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