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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thumb
Caleb Foster thumbed over his shoulder to move Cam Boozer.
—
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Since the late 1970s, victories at the bargaining table have been less frequent, and UFW leaders admit ranchers thumbed their noses during contract negotiations, daring them to strike.
—Marcos Breton, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Going out on top has its appeal, but Auriemma plans, even if granted another such opportunity, to thumb his nose at it once more.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Val Kilmer’s performance as this trickster poet forever thumbing his nose at reality embodies the movie’s tensions.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thumb
Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Since the late 1970s, victories at the bargaining table have been less frequent, and UFW leaders admit ranchers thumbed their noses during contract negotiations, daring them to strike.
—Marcos Breton, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Going out on top has its appeal, but Auriemma plans, even if granted another such opportunity, to thumb his nose at it once more.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Val Kilmer’s performance as this trickster poet forever thumbing his nose at reality embodies the movie’s tensions.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumb
Verb
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If your cat or dog is outside and not wearing a flea protection product, fleas hitch a ride indoors with them.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
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In 1985, a breeding population of the black-and-white Aedes albopictus mosquito hitched a ride on a Japanese tire shipment bound for Texas.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
27 May 2026
Verb
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The Four Seasons bed is a dreamy oasis with a pillowtop mattress that can be flipped upon request to change between firm and soft.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
1 June 2026
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The burgers are still made with beef ground fresh daily, and the narrow diner stays busy with customers lined up at the counter while cooks flip patties on the flat-top a few feet away.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Midwest Living,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Some were drawn first to the language and its interna ideo, only to later realize the travel benefits involved; others had learned the language specifically to bum around.—
Katie Thornton,
Harpers Magazine,
26 May 2026
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That means, as some critics of the ban have pointed out, that 18-year-olds will almost certainly bum cigarettes from older friends—the same way younger teens have acquired them since time immemorial.—
Nicholas Florko,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
Verb
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The restaurant is flashier and more glamorous than the original, with moody black floors, discreetly spotlit tables, mirrored ceilings, and walls leafed in living greenery.—
Helen Rosner,
New Yorker,
24 May 2026
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In spring, when the trees start to leaf, Cedar Mountain comes alive with toe-tapping music, pottery studios, galleries and locals who welcome you in.—
Belinda Luksic,
Southern Living,
1 May 2026
Verb
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In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
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In short, this step ensures the mission doesn't accidentally carry any hitchhiking microorganisms to Mars.—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Available in four colors — purple, blue, sage, and ivory — this dress’ A-line silhouette and floor-skimming length give it a formal yet feminine look, similar to the HGTV star’s style.—
Averi Baudler,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
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Her floor-skimming hemline featured a rhinestone trim that trailed up her skirt, adding some extra sparkle to every step.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
3 June 2026
Video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs
Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes
Cite this Entry
“Thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumb. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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