wink 1 of 2

wink

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to blink
to rapidly open and close one's eyes she winked several times to get the dust and grit out of her eyes

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to twinkle
to shine with light at regular intervals a lighthouse was winking in the distance

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in to ignore
to secretly sympathize with or pretend ignorance of something improper or unlawful the whole sporting world seems to wink as untold sums are bet on the outcome of the Super Bowl

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 wink
Noun
Sabrina Carpenter's style philosophy is all about glamour… with a wink. Kara Nesvig, Allure, 25 June 2025 Minott is still two-way eligible, and one wonders if the Wolves could decline his $2.2 million option for this year, re-sign him to a two-way with a wink and a nod that there is a roster spot waiting for him after the trade deadline and go forward from there. John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Verb
In the meantime, Claude scrutinized the room, alternately winking and scowling at the residents and care workers within eyeshot before diligently watching the door. Hazlitt, 18 June 2025 Evelyn took his hand, smiled and winked her green eyes at him. Literary Hub, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for wink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wink
Noun
  • These patterns are muted, simple, and still full of personality, like this pillow cover in indigo which looks exactly suited to a couch in a captain’s quarters, yacht-appropriate, or like a great porch nap pillow along a white rattan sofa.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 July 2025
  • Teenagers sleep in, little kids go to bed early and take long naps.
    Taylor Grothe, Parents, 9 July 2025
Noun
  • Follow that with a dip in the sea at Lia beach—a four minute walk away—or book a pottery class through one of the hotel’s artisan partners.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
  • You’re asked to meet with senior leadership for the very first time—in five minutes.
    Michele Moreno, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • But this month, the IRS blinked, quietly conceding that such speech is protected when directed to a congregation.
    Lauren Cooley, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
  • The avatars blink, raise their eyebrows and move their shoulders with less than a second of reaction time.
    Alexandra Meier, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • The 'Ghost Bush' open star cluster is also visible to the upper right of the Fireworks galaxy, twinkling with the light of countless gravitationally bound stellar bodies.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 16 July 2025
  • After dinner, guests can gather around the crackling fire and enjoy time under the twinkling stars.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Her white shirt would gleam like chrome under the metallic lights.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025
  • The cars are dotted around in a kaleidoscope of colors, a stark contrast to the gleaming white factory floor.
    Tim Pitt, Robb Report, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Too many times last year the line would just ignore somebody running right at them.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • The conversation has put a spotlight on a dynamic that’s hard to ignore: how global leaders, especially from Western nations, talk about and to Africa.
    Oumou Fofana, Essence, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Independent bookstores are the heartbeats of their communities.
    American Booksellers Association, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • Intimacy is the heartbeat of a thriving relationship.
    Chamin Ajjan, CNBC, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Emotions like doubt or frustration may flash across the face in a split second.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Cameras flash as Combs addresses the crowd, presiding over the scene like a master of ceremonies — or something else entirely.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Wink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wink. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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