tickle

verb

Definition of ticklenext
1
as in to itch

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2
as in to excite

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 tickle Bonne Maman is celebrating its 10th anniversary of the fan-favorite gift set with brand-new packaging and—best yet—limited-edition flavors that are bound to tickle your taste buds. — Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 31 July 2026 Community members will once again be able to tickle the ivories in Blaney Plaza, thanks to a piano that was donated for public use last month. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 8 July 2026 The more kids tickle him, the more Elmo giggles, causing a hilarious and contagious giggle effect for everyone in the room. — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 Sometimes there was laughter from girls who were pinching or tickling each other. — Annie Ernaux, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for tickle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tickle
  1. itch
  2. excite
  3. tingle
  4. amuse
  5. sting
  6. titillate
  7. bore
  8. satiate
Verb
  • Ingram is itching to join his new teammates, to slow the losses and turn around a plummeting season.
    — Janis Carr, Oc Register, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Amazon has a ton of chic, fall-ready sneakers my mom (and I) have been itching to add to our carts—head to the site to check out its full selection.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of itch
Verb
  • What excites me is that the barrier to success is the systems that allow these solutions to take off, and to me, that feels within human control.
    — Jessica Hullinger, Time, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The best college coaches these days are good on the field but also get people excited enough that the fundraising goes through the roof.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • In seconds the tingling numbness gave way to a heady euphoria.
    — Jen Murphy, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The spidey senses of a Monterey school administrator started tingling when an invoice the food services director submitted for eggs, bacon and potatoes at Costco came with an exorbitant price tag.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of tingle
Verb
  • The fact-checkers amused me too—in particular one diligent soul who spent days trying to fact-check the concept of a monsoon.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Nov. 2026
  • He was baffled and amused, for instance, by the fact that someone on set would offer to hold an umbrella for him in the rain.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • Darchiev, a veteran diplomat known for his stinging condemnations of the West, had served as ambassador to Washington since March 2025.
    — Sana Noor Haq, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Burch assures us that no one has ever been stung on one of these walks.
    — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of sting
Verb
  • Monster romances embrace the transgression by offering up the most extreme scenarios possible to titillate and (on occasion) challenge prevailing mores.
    — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Grace is delighted and titillated by Todd’s speculation, and in the middle of a G7 Summit preparation meeting with Billie and Gannon, quietly asks Hal if Kate is pregnant.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of titillate
Verb
  • Some bore ominous messages that could be read only under ultraviolet light.
    — Ed White, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Even after all our years together, life with Alan was never boring.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of bore
Verb
  • Today’s list of stories seeks to satiate a variety of cravings, from caffeine to quesadillas.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 Nov. 2026
  • But their domestic agenda of deregulation, tax cuts and border control is not enough to satiate the populist wing, which is barely less angry than under Clinton and had envisioned a more aggressive dismantling of her legacy.
    — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of satiate

Browse Nearby Words

ticking off
tickle
tickled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tickle. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

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