needle 1 of 2

Definition of needlenext
1
as in syringe
a slender hollow instrument by which material is put into or taken from the body through the skin the nurse inserted the needle into his vein and collected some blood for testing

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in indicator
an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information simply by reading the compass needle you should be able to figure out in which direction we're heading

Synonyms & Similar Words

needle

2 of 2

verb

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 needle
Noun
The one large task moves the needle forward at a peak time in the day, the three medium tasks feel easier after accomplishing the first one, and the five small tasks are quick to check off the list as energy levels begin to dip. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 The Asian needle ant is native to East Asia. Eva Flowe june 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026
Verb
The Velvet Gang needles the outraged Christie ever so. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 19 May 2026 After all, there are 40,000 active podcasts, culling a top ten from that massive list is essentially needle meet haystack. Frank Racioppi, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for needle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needle
Noun
  • The footage later shows a doctor feeding the hungry dog through a syringe.
    Stephen Smith, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Sterile syringe programs are associated with a 50% decrease in HIV and Hepatitis C contraction among people who inject drugs, a 2024 CDC study reported.
    Maya Henry, Oklahoma Watch, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • Also, an indicator of sorts for where their flirtationship is headed.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 30 June 2026
  • Another great indicator of a ripe melon is a golden color.
    Alexandra Frost, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • While the flagship movie franchise is coming to an end, Diesel previously teased that NBCUniversal has four TV shows in development from the Fast & Furious world.
    Glenn Garner, Deadline, 4 July 2026
  • The featurette teases Zada as Haymitch, with scenes ranging from the literal sunrise on his Reaping Day to Capitol interviews to the Games itself.
    Mya Copeland, Variety, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Dander, which are dead skin flakes, become attached to dog fur.
    Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • There is a new solution to a problem that's been dogging the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office.
    Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • The three major indexes are coming off a winning week.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 22 June 2026
  • The air quality index is divided into six categories.
    Paris Barraza, USA Today, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Steak 'n Shake announced its month-long Liberty Meal deal to celebrate America's 250th birthday — and used the occasion to taunt a competitor.
    Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
  • In the Chicago area, officials said three men captured a victim and shot him multiple times in the head and allegedly taunted his mother.
    Luke Barr, ABC News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Your 10th House of Career and Status receives Jupiter, urging long-range vision and public progress that grows through structure.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 30 June 2026
  • City officials are urging residents to take the heat seriously.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • When water is released, bait fish come in from the lake, which is like ringing the dinner bell for the surrounding predator fish.
    Kristine Fischer, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
  • Palestra is excellent at baiting defenders into committing to a tackle before racing past them.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 27 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Needle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needle. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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