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 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 There are also a few other flavors that might tickle your fancy. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 May 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
  • 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
  • Clever and ambitious, Debicki’s snob is itching for an excuse to leave this hamlet for the city.
    — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of itch
Verb
  • Though some people were taken aback by her eagerness to be in the sky, Filgueiras was excited by it.
    — Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The products’ custom orange-floral scent complete the entire at-home experience, which means you’ll actually be excited come hair-wash day.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • 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
  • Known as oral allergy syndrome, this cross-reaction can cause symptoms such as itching or tingling in the mouth.
    — Lauren Finney Harden, AJC.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of tingle
Verb
  • Among the pieces bound to amuse and delight are a splintered china ensemble from Martin Margiela and Ellen Hodakova Larsson’s next-generation jangly spoon dress.
    — Nicole Phelps, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Some participants find the cartoon amusing and appreciate its humor, particularly the portrayal of AI interacting with a grandmother.
    — Edith Pritchett, Washington Post, 31 Oct. 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • The sweeping defeat exacted by Democrats on Tuesday is a stinging rebuke to those efforts, says Colette Delawalla, founder and CEO of advocacy group Stand Up for Science.
    — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Harvester ants defend themselves using neurotoxic venom that causes intense, long-lasting, stinging pain in mammals.
    — RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 1 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
  • The only thing that satiates Homer’s appetite is gorging on the unhoused.
    — Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Refrigerated tortellini is one of the fastest ways to turn plain broth into a satiating, delicious meal.
    — Danielle Bouchard, Martha Stewart, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of satiate

Browse Nearby Words

ticking off
tickle
tickled
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Cite this Entry

“Tickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tickle. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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