as in stares
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of squints
Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Byrne has never been better, sharper, or more intimidating as a screen presence, carrying the movie with squints and frowns.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025
Allegra Goodman, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026
Wiesmair squints at his smartphone, which is logged on to a database of European moth species.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
And in a third, the gaunt 30-year-old killer flexes, purses his lips and squints.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Byrne has never been better, sharper, or more intimidating as a screen presence, carrying the movie with squints and frowns.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, Charles squints at the phone.
—Allegra Goodman, New Yorker, 4 Jan. 2026
Wiesmair squints at his smartphone, which is logged on to a database of European moth species.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for squints
Noun
-
Put your winter boots back in the shoe closet—these comfy spring looks are perfect for every occasion.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Pairing those two together in nickel and dime packages could create uncanny pre-snap looks for opposing offenses.—
Mike Kaye
Updated March 5,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Nearby, Ella Dalton stares into a copy of Normal People by Sally Rooney, and Mahi Kabra lounges by the hair-washing sinks holding A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara.—
Arden Fanning Andrews,
Vogue,
6 Mar. 2026
-
When Robbie first strokes the plush walls, her Cathy stares with the appropriate mix of awe and terror.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Enveloped in all this optical dazzlement, and cutting across the frame with their bold, frontal gazes, the women are the very embodiment of dignity and power, mirrors of the independence roiling at the heart of the nation.—
Zoë Hopkins,
New Yorker,
7 Feb. 2026
-
Besides their long, dark hair and smoldering gazes, what do Charli XCX and Salma Hayek have in common?—
Reece Andavolgyi,
InStyle,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Argyle players storm the court as a Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill player glances at the overhead scoreboard after Argyle prevailed in a 51-42 victory to claim the state championship.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The script glances in such directions but never commits.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
12 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Since it was released at the end of 2023, the hulking, angular vehicle has been subject to jokes about its appearance and glares from people who disagree with CEO Elon Musk’s politics.—
Andrea Guzmán,
Austin American Statesman,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Saab recommends combining overhead lighting with wall sconces and table lamps to lend more flexibility while also avoiding harsh glares.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
But spotting when a star blinks for a fraction of a second as an asteroid passes in front of it from our perspective on Earth is incredibly challenging.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
9 Mar. 2026
-
Nobody seems to believe in Detroit in the postseason yet, which is partly a result of the Pistons not having won a playoff series since (checks notes) … (blinks and checks notes a second time) … 2008, and partly a result of legitimate questions about their iffy perimeter shooting.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Cathy peers down at them through a hole in the floorboards.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
11 Feb. 2026
-
An existentialist peers into the abyss and feels a shiver of possibility, the freedom to be anything.—
Zachary Fine,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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From planning your shopping list to checking expiration dates and even allowing virtual peeks into your fridge from afar, the features on smart fridges run the gamut.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2026
-
There will be plenty of clouds in the sky on Monday, with a few peeks of sunshine.—
Michael Autovino,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Squints.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/squints. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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