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 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 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 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
  • 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
  • With just a week left for the 2026 Ballon d'Or award ceremony, top contenders Lamine Yamal (FCB), Rodri (FCB), and Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) will be itching to deliver statement performances and stake their claim.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of itch
Verb
  • After a two-year wait, Apple has updated the iPad mini with a huge spec and performance bump that should excite fans of the pocketable tablet.
    — Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 28 Oct. 2026
  • With the whole crew excited about the McCarthy news, Kevin sent a pic to the group chat featuring an image of a giant TV with the announcement on it.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of excite
Verb
  • 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
  • Applegate has previously described living with symptoms including numbness, an off-balance feeling, and a tingling sensation in the limbs.
    — Kerry Breen, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of tingle
Verb
  • Iowa’s roughly 900,000 cyclists, many of whom have participated in an annual cycling tour that’s made the state synonymous with biking, weren’t amused.
    — Washington Post, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Commenters seem amused by the apparent gaffe and have chosen to convey their feelings through a plethora of puns, jokes and memes.
    — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of amuse
Verb
  • Back in the mind-mansion, Ultron doesn’t admit Thomas stung him.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The rich have been stung by a surprise 20% tax on their offshore wealth, much of it squirreled away in trusts in Hong Kong and Singapore, triggering a new rush for foreign passports.
    — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 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
  • Even after all our years together, life with Alan was never boring.
    — Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
  • For a chic but not boring animal print outfit, use only those two colors as part of your look.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 21 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tickle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tickle. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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