POKING Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

poking 1 of 2

adjective

as in leisurely

moving or proceeding at less than the normal, desirable, or required speed the poking pace of the repair work has put everything way behind schedule

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poking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of poke

as in protruding

to extend outward beyond a usual point saw his head poking through the window

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as in messing

to interest oneself in what is not one's concern told him to stop poking into other people's business

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as in lingering

to move or act slowly just poked around all morning and didn't accomplish much

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as in dragging

to move slowly they were just poking along home

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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 poking

Verb

Before Sweets could be dressed and draped for surgery, the three feet of stick poking out of her body needed to be addressed. —

Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 British politics in 2026 is a landscape of meh, with Farage’s grin poking over the horizon. —

Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 Aggressive bears are known to stalk, claw and even bite tourists in Great Smoky National Park, but rangers say one recent encounter involved a bear poking a hiker with its big wet nose. —

Mark Price may 12, Charlotte Observer, 12 May 2026 Speech and creativity and poking at the status quo. —

Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 With a signature hairstyle (sprigs of hair poking out the sides of her helmet), excellent shot and skating ability, Kadirova has been an undisputed hit in Ottawa. —

Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 10 May 2026 The post quickly drew a wave of reactions online, with some users poking fun at both the situation and Jones’ outfit. —

Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 Our evidence rests in the eight spindly tomato plants poking up from small containers next to a large window in our back room. —

Jerry Shnay, Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026 Nice little Rogen dig here that reminds me of This Is the End poking fun at The Green Hornet. —

Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for poking

Adjective

They’re also covered in an airy mesh upper material that facilitates airflow during activities — including sweaty workouts and leisurely strolls.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Yes, there are two international trips, including one to the literal other side of the world — a destination that makes Mexico City’s 7,200 feet of altitude seem like a leisurely stroll down the block, making the Niners the league’s official guinea pigs for global domination.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 15 May 2026