as in peering
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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Recent Examples of squinting
The earlier of Sunday’s two title games, after some squinting, will feature the Denver Broncos hosting the New England Patriots led by quarterbacks Jarrett Stidham and Drake Maye, respectively.
—
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Latecomers in search of a view had to take their chances from the very top of the stadium, squinting to see the players dancing on the court below.
—Owen Lewis, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Authorities say the footage shows Peters appeared to be squinting, driving with one eye closed, or struggling to focus.
—Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Helen takes the envelope, squinting at it in the bright sun, and wonders for a moment what kind of bad news there is left to get from Nebraska.
—Sadia Shepard, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
As when just standing in the Mingus Quick Stop parking lot and squinting down the street at lifting dust while overhearing from within the most mysterious conversation about missing Little Debbie Honey Buns—not stolen, gradually pilfered, but just missing.
—David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Watch your dog for signs of squinting, blinking, runny eyes, or pawing at his face.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 24 Dec. 2025
For many parents, that first moment a child squinting at the classroom board or holding a tablet too close is when alarm bells start to sound.
—Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 19 Dec. 2025
The pup, named Eba, appeared immune to being rushed and trotted behind at the farthest extent of her leash, tongue lolling, black eyes squinting in the afternoon sun.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 Jan. 2026
Latecomers in search of a view had to take their chances from the very top of the stadium, squinting to see the players dancing on the court below.
—Owen Lewis, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Authorities say the footage shows Peters appeared to be squinting, driving with one eye closed, or struggling to focus.
—Adrienne Davis, jsonline.com, 15 Jan. 2026
Helen takes the envelope, squinting at it in the bright sun, and wonders for a moment what kind of bad news there is left to get from Nebraska.
—Sadia Shepard, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
As when just standing in the Mingus Quick Stop parking lot and squinting down the street at lifting dust while overhearing from within the most mysterious conversation about missing Little Debbie Honey Buns—not stolen, gradually pilfered, but just missing.
—David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Watch your dog for signs of squinting, blinking, runny eyes, or pawing at his face.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 24 Dec. 2025
For many parents, that first moment a child squinting at the classroom board or holding a tablet too close is when alarm bells start to sound.
—Matthew Kayser, Ascend Agency, 19 Dec. 2025
The pup, named Eba, appeared immune to being rushed and trotted behind at the farthest extent of her leash, tongue lolling, black eyes squinting in the afternoon sun.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squinting
Verb
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In 2002, the Sanctuarium started to appear on the skyline, peering down like the Eye of Sauron.—
Sean Williams,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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The Ring doorbell showed someone peering through the camera, but no one answered.—
Allen Devlin,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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With his team staring at a seven-point halftime deficit and a three-game losing streak in the SEC, Texas basketball coach Sean Miller didn’t mince words about the importance of the second half in Saturday’s 87-67 win Georgia.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
24 Jan. 2026
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Actor Matt Manuel, who is currently staring in the Off-Broadway production of Spelling Bee, weighed in on the topic of theater etiquette.—
Emma Kershaw,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Araminta casts Sophie one last cold look, glancing down at her with open resentment, before storming off.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
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After the match, the two exchanged a cursory handshake with Cirstea barely glancing in Osaka’s direction.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Centennial and Westminster are among the cities in Colorado that don’t allow blinking neon lights outside of businesses, Glen Weseloh said.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
11 Jan. 2026
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Any muscles used for movement — including those involved in speaking, chewing, swallowing, seeing, blinking, breathing and walking — can be affected.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Recently seen on the runways of fashion houses like Prada and Balenciaga, the popular trend has been styled with everything from sleeveless dresses, blazers, and jackets to classic riding capes, peeping out of the sleeve slots as seen above.—
Morgan Evans,
InStyle,
15 Jan. 2026
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The looming threat of a full shutdown hit the Smokies just in time for leaf-peeping season and fall break, a particularly busy period that helps local businesses survive through the winter.—
Paige Williams,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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If star-gazing and vintage glamping sound dreamy, head to Camp Kettlewood.—
Sarah Miller,
Midwest Living,
13 Jan. 2026
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By day, visitors can hike, cycle, and view ancient petroglyphs left behind by the area's Indigenous Northern Paiute people, before spending the night gazing up at the twinkling canopy.—
Elizabeth Rhodes,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Squinting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squinting. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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