stab 1 of 2

verb

Definition of stabnext
as in to pierce
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object stabbed the pesky leaf with the tines of the rake

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stab

2 of 2

noun

ˈstab How to pronounce stab (audio)
1
as in puncture
a mark or small hole made by a pointed instrument the injection left a small stab on her upper arm

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in attempt
an effort to do or accomplish something everybody will get a stab at solving the problem

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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 stab
Verb
Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to stabbing four University of Idaho students to death and waived his right to appeal, is now seeking post-conviction relief by claiming his plea was false. — Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026 In 2022, four University of Idaho students were brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus home. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026
Noun
Reed later caught a quick stab from Pickett for a touchdown off a shallow crossing route. — Mike Kaye july 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026 María Potosí was found dead by the Meléndez River in La Buitrera, Cali, with at least four stab wounds and her baby removed from her womb on July 20, according to Colombian outlets El Colombiano and RCN Noticias. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stab
  1. pierce
  2. puncture
  3. attempt
  4. jab
  5. punch
  6. try
  7. pick
  8. stick
Verb
  • The film ends up with raucously funny situations buoyed by piercing second-hand embarrassment.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Eight thick stone legs support a circular tower pierced by arched openings.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of pierce
Noun
  • Photos shared by the family show Claire Macdonel's hand covered in cuts and puncture wounds shortly after the bite.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Eight hours of stitching to close all the puncture wounds and tears followed.
    — Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
Definition of puncture
Noun
  • More than 150 migrants were rescued in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a boat caught fire in the English Channel in an attempt to travel from France to Britain, according to French authorities.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The current revival attempt is driven by higher capital costs and a backlash against ESG frameworks, offering a seemingly simple objective.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • Cannon said before pretending to jab his arm with a dosage while squealing from the pain and showing his vaccination card.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu jabbed back against the prevailing narrative yesterday, saying she was never invited to participate in the WNBA’s 3-point contest this weekend.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of jab
Noun
  • Positioning decides the outcome before the first exchange, and the punches only confirm it.
    — Serhii Zakharov, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Sal knows how to properly spark a Zippo, seduce women, shuck oysters, throw a punch, and other Badass Masshole 101 lessons.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of punch
Noun
  • Other notable tech that is transforming fashion apparel and retail includes virtual try-on and AR.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • As several of her peers engaged with adaptive sports for the first time, Hwang felt compelled to give them a try herself.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • That ranked fifth among the 63 college FBS receivers who were targeted at least 25 times on man-to-man routes — more than first-round picks Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The shrinking labor supply has contributed to the low-hire, low-fire environment, though recent months have seen a pick-up in job growth.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Oba Femi punched the chair out of Brock’s hand and stuck him with the Fall from Grace for the win.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Sparks, meanwhile, are stuck in their rebuild limbo, with several veterans on long-term contracts and just Rae Burrell on an expiring contract.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of stick

Phrases Containing stab

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stab
stabbed
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Cite this Entry

“Stab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stab. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of stab for Spanish Speakers

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