tickle

verb

Definition of ticklenext
1
as in to itch

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2
as in to excite

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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 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 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 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
  • While some companies made dramatically bitchy exits from the state in recent years, there are signs that several are itching to get back to the golden coast.
    — Daniel Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The takeaway for anyone itching to be first in line is simple.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of itch
Verb
  • Recent developments, such as Meta's Muse personal agent app and its latest proprietary foundation model, Muse Wonder, released earlier this week, have begun to excite investors who are optimistic about new AI business opportunities.
    — Kif Leswing,Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • And, continuing their hot streak, Celine and Chanel have buyers excited about next season’s ready-to-wear and accessory sales.
    — Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • Short for autonomous sensory meridian response, ASMR describes the pleasant, tingling calm some people feel in response to soft sensory input, like whispering, tapping, or watching something being squished.
    — Steven John, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • In humans, symptoms often include fever, weakness and headache before progressing to tingling sensations, anxiety, agitation, abnormal behavior, hallucinations, difficulty swallowing, coma and death.
    — Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of tingle
Verb
  • Both are obviously fabricated, but neither of the candidates depicted is amused.
    — Max Raskin, Washington Post, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Written over the span of her extensive career, these tales amuse, enchant, perplex and illuminate.
    — The Know, Denver Post, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • All of a sudden, Bass was a staggering champion lunging at a revived Raman, who swung and stung and ducked the way only a hungry up-and-comer can.
    — Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Clement famously tried to get the Supreme Court to overturn President Obama's signature health care law, a loss that still stings.
    — Carrie Johnson, NPR, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of sting
Verb
  • Brands today need nuance to be titillating—nudity and provocation are too available.
    — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Sep. 2026
  • So there’s a lot for Mark to be titillated by in that moment.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of titillate
Verb
  • The face of it is teenagers who are rebellious, bored by school (often for good reason), and beyond parent control.
    — Kalman Hettleman, Washington Post, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Na studied crafts at university, working with wood, metal, dyes and ceramics, because flat, two-dimensional drawing had come to bore him.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of bore
Verb
  • Puka Nacua left Philadelphia last week satisfied with a victory and satiated with sandwiches.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Supplies will eventually catch up, and demand will become more satiated.
    — Zev Fima,Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 27 Sep. 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 18 Oct. 2026.

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