smoking

Definition of smokingnext
present participle of smoke, slang

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 smoking The gentleman on the seat in front of me on that plane was smoking (yes, kids, cigarettes were once permissible on airplanes) not one, but two, cigarettes that were nestled twixt three fingers on his left hand. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 28 Jan. 2026 The dish is a labor of love, with brisket brining for two weeks, then smoking for 12 hours. Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026 For her 23rd birthday, Maxwell shared a mood board that included the 2005 Japanese comedy Linda Linda Linda, Nicole Kidman smoking a cigarette at Cannes in 2003, and the pas de deux from the ballet Le Parc (1994), choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj. P. Claire Dodson, Vogue, 28 Jan. 2026 Cook, swirling skillet occasionally and reducing heat if browning too quickly or if oil is smoking, until deep golden brown underneath, about 5 minutes. Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 The law banning smoking in restaurants hadn’t yet taken effect, but Wheeler reprimanded him anyway. Nell Freudenberger, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 When ready to cook, in a large skillet over medium-high, heat the oil until very hot but not smoking. The Know, Denver Post, 24 Jan. 2026 This is a business in secular decline—people are smoking less. Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026 According to a 2023 Surgeon General’s report, loneliness has the same impact on health as smoking 15 cigarettes per day. Helen Dennis, Daily News, 18 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smoking
Verb
  • Last June, after indirect nuclear negotiations collapsed, the United States joined Israel in a 12-day war with Iran, bombing three of the country’s key nuclear facilities.
    Nik Popli, Time, 28 Jan. 2026
  • The cross on this painting is a target, like when bombing with a drone.
    Thomas Patier, Artforum, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Late in the mess that was the Rams’ final game of the season, Sean McVay was seen frustratingly burying his face in his play card.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Drake Powell followed by scoring six straight points himself, burying a 3 over Jaylen Brown before finishing a tough fadeaway in the lane plus the foul.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 24 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Doncic played a role in both clutch shots, first whipping a one-handed pass behind his back across the court to Gabe Vincent, who shoveled the ball with one hand to Hachimura.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Would the place that had been home for months withstand the whipping winds?
    Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Here’s her strategy for overcoming procrastination.
    Sophie Caldwell, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
  • For Nayyar, overcoming user hesitancy, particularly among older generations, has been an ongoing educational process.
    Esha Chhabra, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • After throwing for just 241 total yards in wins over Texas A&M and Ohio State to start Miami’s postseason journey, Beck completed 23 of 37 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns with one interception and had the game-clinching rushing touchdown.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • This happened after a number of protesters began throwing snowballs at federal vehicles on the scene.
    WCCO Staff, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The Celtics opened with one of their most dominant quarters of the season, outscoring the Blazers 32-11 through balanced offense and smothering defense.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
  • With Stalin’s large standing army smothering half of Europe, and his fledgling nuclear arsenal extending Moscow’s ambitions overseas, America had to scramble.
    Barry Scott Zellen, Hartford Courant, 22 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Point Loma Nazarene’s women’s basketball team improved to 14-4 and climbed back on top of the PacWest Conference standings with a 10-2 mark after beating Azusa Pacific (80-55) and contender Vanguard (59-57) last week.
    Bill Center, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In the final, Black & Alshon threw down the gauntlet, beating the top pair in three straight for gold.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Start by dusting at the top of the blinds, then work your way down to the sills.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 22 Jan. 2026
  • Pay special attention to your curtains' header (the top portion of the panel) when dusting and cleaning.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 19 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smoking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smoking. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on smoking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!