as in stinging
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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.
Related Words
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 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
-
The scientists found both were composed of a fibrous material that contained many stinging cells called spirocysts, which belong exclusively to the branch of aquatic invertebrates known as cnidarians.—
Adam Kovac,
Scientific American,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Parasitoids are specialized types of predatory insects that include non-stinging wasps, flies, and other insects.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Martha Stewart, however—perhaps the least likely superstar to do so—is poking holes in that fantasy, giving us an iconic new selfie that feels wildly relatable to anyone familiar with the mayhem of getting ready.—
Marci Robin,
Allure,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.—
Naveen Kumar,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
What is owed to a nagging abdominal injury and an overall offensive regression that contributed to coach Brian Kelly’s firing?—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
My work hours, most notably, but also that little nagging voice in my head that yearns—no, demands—perfection.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The shortstop broke his bat on one pitch and a shard hit teammate Steve Yeager in the on-deck circle, piercing the catcher’s throat.—
Kirk Kenney,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 Apr. 2026
-
New video captured the horrifying moment a Florida police officer’s body camera stopped a bullet from piercing his chest while conducting a routine investigation last month.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
These injuries resulted in 684 days lost per 1,000 training hours during menstruation, compared to 206 days lost during non-bleeding days.—
Ciara Lucas,
SELF,
16 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
People may also notice numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or feet.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Common symptoms can include numbness or tingling, slurred speech, electric-shock sensations accompanying certain neck movements, trouble walking or not being able to walk at all, partial or complete loss of vision, among others, according to the clinic.—
Anika Reed,
USA Today,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
What else is going on The teenager who singer D4vd is charged with killing died of multiple penetrating injuries before someone amputated her legs, arms and two of her fingers.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Archaeologists used ground-penetrating radar in compliance with federal regulations requiring agencies to consider impacts on historic properties, the announcement added.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Prickling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prickling. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
