as in to stare
to take a look with the eyes narrowed (as because of difficulty seeing)
He squinted in her direction, but couldn't make her out with the sun behind her.
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1
as in strabismus
British
difficulty in seeing resulting from improper alignment of the eyes
The child was born with a squint that was eventually corrected through surgery.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of squint
Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Both species also respond to multiple puffs by squinting to protect their eyes.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 4 June 2025
Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Through squints, yells, and outsize reactions, Tadanobu Asano created a character whose interiority is always roiling and reaching, someone who finds life unfulfilling and doesn’t understand why this is all there is.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for squint
Verb
While tech companies have been throwing around impressive-sounding claims of superhuman performance in narrow tasks, business leaders and policymakers have been left squinting through the hype, trying to figure out what any of it actually means for the real world.
—Bernard Marr, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
Both species also respond to multiple puffs by squinting to protect their eyes.
—Jon Hamilton, NPR, 4 June 2025
Noun
Bad Boys 4: Ride or Die with a palpably slower, thicker Martin Lawrence (*collective squint) nears $300 million globally.
—Rob Marriott, VIBE.com, 30 Dec. 2024
Through squints, yells, and outsize reactions, Tadanobu Asano created a character whose interiority is always roiling and reaching, someone who finds life unfulfilling and doesn’t understand why this is all there is.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for squint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squint
Verb
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It’s described as a long, blank and expressionless stare in a variety of social situations.—
Bryan Robinson,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
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Vortex Media has all rights in Canada to the film staring Maren Heary (She Said), Jim Kaplan (The Holdovers), Karsen Liotta (Black Bird), Dominic Bogart (Fear The Walking Dead), Emily Hall (Wrong Numbers) and Tenley Kellogg.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
14 July 2025
Noun
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Barrel Cards The barrel card exercise can help improve symptoms of strabismus (crossed eyes).—
Laura Schober,
Health,
12 Feb. 2025
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One of his conditions, strabismus,has also been reported by researchers to be behind the genius of Leonardo da Vinci, allowing the painter to perceive the world differently and facilitating his accurate depiction of three-dimensional objects on flat surfaces.—
Maya Davis,
CNN,
4 Aug. 2024
Noun
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As Monday's verdict was read out, Erin didn't drop her gaze from the jury, per The Guardian.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
7 July 2025
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While that gaze is no longer popular in mainstream literature, many readers have found Tacos’ writing to be refreshingly honest — to others, needlessly offensive.—
John McDermott,
Rolling Stone,
6 July 2025
Verb
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Carrie Tauscher, the arboretum’s director, stands amidst it all, peering up into the canopy to look for damage.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
7 July 2025
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Groups crowded out in front of the house, peering into the backyard after the party hit capacity.—
Audrey Gibbs,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Noun
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Most people with astigmatism need to wear glasses or contact lenses.—
Carrie Madormo,
Health,
30 May 2025
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Bonus facts: Webb wears contact lenses and without them is considered legally blind due to severe astigmatism....—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Noun
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There wasn’t any glare to speak of, either, and mind you, our lab's overhead LEDs did try and create some.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
13 July 2025
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Despite the glare on the windows and the people in the bar, the crowd attempted to take photos of Urban playing inside.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Verb
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What To Know The study revealed that 21% of teen drivers' time on the road is spent glancing at their phones, with 26% of those glances lasting two seconds or longer.—
Thomas Westerholm,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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The 11-yard grounder glanced off Houston’s goalkeeper and into the goal.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 July 2025
Noun
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In Nolan’s vision, Batman was a vastly complicated superhero, brooding and unknowable.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
Time,
11 July 2025
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To all my babies that are listening to this one, big up yourself always because faith and hard work toward your vision will eventually place your dreams at your feet.—
Matthew Strauss,
Pitchfork,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Squint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squint. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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