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
  • The weather was beautiful, and the city showed out for the events, itching for an opportunity to participate in a meaningful way.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Matthew Lillard is itching to work with Mark Hamill again — this time in the Star Wars universe.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 25 July 2026
Definition of itch
Verb
  • Moments like the one below against Eintracht Frankfurt should excite Madrid fans.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • Crow’s theory is that some of his preferred candidates—Marine drill sergeants, federal prosecutors—are more likely to excite those who are down on both parties.
    — Philip Elliott, Time, 27 July 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • Symptoms include tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, balance issues and muscle cramps.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2026
  • Pain, numbness or tingling that radiates from the neck or back into the arm or hand, the Mayo Clinic warning sign for a herniated disc affecting upper-extremity strength.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of tingle
Verb
  • While Kahan performed, a pair of pups wearing booties and matching headphones amused folks outside the platinum lounge.
    — Lori Majewski, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
  • According to the inner circle, the mythology is something that amuses Vernon more than anything else.
    — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • For van Ess, the decision particularly stings because Google Earth has long been regarded as one of the best tools to verify information posted on social media.
    — Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 31 July 2026
  • The lionfish's poisonous spikes can badly hurt anyone who’s stung.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 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
  • The sandwiches don’t need to be boring in order to be quick and simple — consider gyros.
    — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 27 July 2026
  • If this all sounds boring compared to adding Skubal to a rotation that’s full of star power when healthy, that’s by design.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of bore
Verb
  • But Elliot’s best argument is ultimately himself—chiefly, his own vigorous libido, which his workaholic medical-student girlfriend, Minerva (a deader-than-deadpan Charli XCX), has long since lost interest in satiating.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 24 July 2026
  • Meal replacement bars need more protein but are less satiating than real meals.
    — Jess Cording, Forbes.com, 21 July 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 2 Aug. 2026.

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