1
as in syringes
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
Relevance
1
as in teases
to attack repeatedly with mean put-downs or insults
we needled him mercilessly for thinking that he had any chance of being the prom date for the school's most popular girl
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in dogs
to subject (someone) to constant scoldings and sharp reminders
quit needling me! I'll take out the trash in a minute!
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 needles
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
In the 1960s, the late Duke University biologist Bruce Niklas started using extremely fine glass needles to probe and manipulate chromosomes in living cells by pushing from the outside against the cell membrane.
—
Jake Buehler,
Quanta Magazine,
29 June 2026
Organic mulches, such as pine straw, shredded wood, bark, and pine needles, contribute to the overall soil health as the materials decompose.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
25 June 2026
Hong Kong — The buzzing of needles and gasps of pain fall silent, replaced by the clacking and rattling of steel and plastic colliding.
—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
For many, this silent shift in perspective is being embraced through the use of various skin care products with powerful ingredients that deliver injectable-like results, similar to those of Botox and fillers, without any invasive needles.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
24 June 2026
Members of the Yarnicorns knitting and crochet group worked yarn through hooks and needles.
—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
The stereotactic biopsy needles are used to take tissue samples from suspicious masses.
—
Annika Inampudi,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
This woman did not, however, say anything about how to dispose of the needles.
—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
16 June 2026
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
As Thea’s former suitor, Tesman struggles to call her by her married name, a slip of the tongue that Hedda constantly needles him about.
—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Jake needles Harry about the past 50 years, but Harry can only offer scraps of history.
—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
The collection also accepts medical sharps, including diabetic needles, blood lancets, insulin pens, epi-pens, syringes, expired over-the-counter medicines and non-narcotic prescriptions.
—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
In the 1960s, the late Duke University biologist Bruce Niklas started using extremely fine glass needles to probe and manipulate chromosomes in living cells by pushing from the outside against the cell membrane.
—
Jake Buehler,
Quanta Magazine,
29 June 2026
Organic mulches, such as pine straw, shredded wood, bark, and pine needles, contribute to the overall soil health as the materials decompose.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
25 June 2026
Hong Kong — The buzzing of needles and gasps of pain fall silent, replaced by the clacking and rattling of steel and plastic colliding.
—
Chris Lau,
CNN Money,
24 June 2026
For many, this silent shift in perspective is being embraced through the use of various skin care products with powerful ingredients that deliver injectable-like results, similar to those of Botox and fillers, without any invasive needles.
—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
24 June 2026
Members of the Yarnicorns knitting and crochet group worked yarn through hooks and needles.
—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
The stereotactic biopsy needles are used to take tissue samples from suspicious masses.
—
Annika Inampudi,
Fortune,
17 June 2026
This woman did not, however, say anything about how to dispose of the needles.
—
Matthew Sedacca,
Curbed,
16 June 2026
Verb
The Velvet Gang needles the outraged Christie ever so.
—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
19 May 2026
As Thea’s former suitor, Tesman struggles to call her by her married name, a slip of the tongue that Hedda constantly needles him about.
—
Emily McClanathan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Jake needles Harry about the past 50 years, but Harry can only offer scraps of history.
—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for needles
Noun
-
In March, Ford issued a recall for F-150 trucks, as well as the Maverick, Ranger, and more, due to a trailer module software issue that could stop trailer turn signal indicators, brake lamps, and even brakes from functioning properly.
-
Human resource systems can identify degrees earned, certifications completed, courses finished, positions held, and countless other workforce indicators.
Verb
-
Wyclef Jean teases his upcoming album in a performance with Flavor Flav at Chez Vayner during the Cannes Lions Festival in France on June 23.
-
The trailer teases Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the titular creature, who undergoes an intense transformation that leaves the townspeople terrified.
Verb
-
Service dogs that bark excessively must be taken out of the facility.
-
In a nearly 10-minute long video, Pratt repeated social media posts that dogs on Skid Row are used to test drugs, are bred for drug money and are left in poor conditions by their unhoused owners, among other concerns about overcrowded, dirty shelters across the city.
Noun
-
The indexes are sitting on healthy gains for the year despite a slight pullback in June.
-
Shares of fast-rising AI chipmakers have boosted major indexes.
Verb
-
In the final episode of the season, Max taunts Pip on her way to Stanley’s funeral as his companion, a young blonde, laughs and drinks wine.
-
Newsom taunts Trump with multiple jabs as Florida redistricting fight ramps up.
Verb
-
The designer also urges homeowners to consider flourishes such as tassels, pom-poms, and ribbons to put this vibrant shade to work in the subtlest ways.
-
The National Weather Service urges those in Guam to begin preparing their homes, listen for possible warnings and be ready to evacuate if necessary.
Noun
-
While committing the robberies Fleming drew a gun, and wore all black covering his face with a ski mask and goggles, and his hands with gloves, authorities said.
-
Rinse the blueberries under cold running water, gently swishing them around with your hands to ensure all the berries are exposed to water.
Verb
-
Officials will continue to investigate the area for further evidence of poison bait, and also stressed the importance of the community's cooperation to discourage and prevent the use of poison baits against wildlife.
-
Whereas fast fashion baits consumers with poorly made clothing available for a limited time, Jendue takes a more elevated approach with high quality denim from Turkey.
Cite this Entry
“Needles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/needles. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
