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 As mentioned, Kate is a gifted musician herself and has tickled the ivories at several public appearances, including her annual Christmas carol service. — Tessa Petak, InStyle, 23 May 2026 The woozy, choppily edited party sequence, featuring lots of handheld, cellphone-style footage and glassy slow-motion interludes, clearly illustrates the camaraderie and profound affection between the five main characters, who tease and tickle one another like sportive, overgrown puppies. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026 As the early morning breeze tickles the top of the Santa Monica Bay, three scientists pack into a small whaler boat and push out to sea in pursuit of great white sharks. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 Crisp lemonade, frozen strawberries, and club soda blend up into a bubbly, effervescent drink that'll tickle your nose and your taste buds. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 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
  • These new voices energized voters itching for change and convinced that congressional Republicans were not fighting President Barack Obama hard enough.
    — David M. Drucker, Mercury News, 15 July 2026
  • Just months after the epic conclusion of Stranger Things, David Harbour and Millie Bobby Brown are already itching to get back on set together.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026
Definition of itch
Verb
  • What excites me most about this model is not just efficiency.
    — Raj Ananthanpillai, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Leo season invites you to express yourself boldly and reconnect with what genuinely excites you.
    — USA TODAY, USA Today, 22 July 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • Japanese Sansho pepper brings a vibrant citrus aroma, combined with a somehow-mild, tingling heat that leaves a temporary numbing sensation on the tongue.
    — Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • Severe cases can cause tingling sensations in the hands and feet, and without treatment the disease can progress to respiratory or kidney failure.
    — Amanda Roome, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Definition of tingle
Verb
  • The refreshing sight of the women teaming up against Falstaff never fails to amuse.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • Mandel appeared amused by the tribute, but the rest of the panel was considerably less enthusiastic.
    — Deirdre Durkan, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • Symptoms of smoke inhalation include coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, asthma attacks, stinging eyes, scratchy throat, runny nose and irritated sinuses, headaches, tiredness, chest pain and a fast heartbeat.
    — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • But that came before Williams’ stinging comments about the settlement between the Justice Department and IRS.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 15 July 2026
Definition of sting
Verb
  • The result is a genre of prose writing that continues to shock, titillate and entertain.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 30 June 2026
  • News to Know A wild night in Boston One could understand why a 2026 rendition of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry might not titillate an objective observer as much as past seasons.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 29 June 2026
Definition of titillate
Verb
  • Further on down the tunnel, a work crew of contractors stood atop a flatbed car, wielding long drills and boring into the side of the tunnel.
    — Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 19 July 2026
  • Sure, this manicure is neutral, but don’t mistake it for boring.
    — Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 13 July 2026
Definition of bore
Verb
  • Fortunately, there are still plenty of chic, fun, and attention-grabbing ballet flats and Birkenstocks to satiate my sartorial appetite.
    — Irene Richardson, InStyle, 17 July 2026
  • Protein is more satiating than carbohydrates alone and may reduce the urge to snack before lunch.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 15 July 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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