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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of preen
Cher, our stand-in for Emma Woodhouse, is the it-girl at the center of it all, confident and unflappable in her place in the hierarchy—but with a hint of narcissism that gives her a preening over-confidence in her capabilities.
—
Literary Hub,
16 Apr. 2026
Give birds a place to preen by setting up a bird bath in your flower bed.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
9 Apr. 2026
Although this is a routine preening behavior, the timing of the click took an ordinary grooming moment and gave it a theatrical twist.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2026
The males strut, coo, puff their chests and enthusiastically preen to court females.
—
Lisa Gutierrez
march 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preen
Literary Hub,
16 Apr. 2026
Give birds a place to preen by setting up a bird bath in your flower bed.
—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
9 Apr. 2026
Although this is a routine preening behavior, the timing of the click took an ordinary grooming moment and gave it a theatrical twist.
—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2026
The males strut, coo, puff their chests and enthusiastically preen to court females.
—
Lisa Gutierrez
march 13,
Kansas City Star,
13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for preen
Recent Examples of Synonyms for preen
Verb
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The guards outside the Red Keep surrender, but inside – where the dragons cannot go – is another matter, and the two fight their way to the throne room, where a large contingent of men-at-arms and knights awaits, gloating.
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Everyone in New York would gloat about all those people in the country with their houses getting ticks.
Verb
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Troye Sivan arrives primped for the Prada dinner during Milan Fashion Week on June 21.
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The small reception desk seems tight on space, but most employees are out in the lobby welcoming guests, straightening pillows in the waterfront lounge, and primping the magnificent flower arrangements anyway.
Verb
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Messi, at 35, led his country to glory against France, winning soccer’s ultimate prize in a pulsating match that finished 3-3 after extra time and had to be settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
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If Harris can bring together a family with Indian, African, and Jewish heritage, America can glory in its diversity.
Verb
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My assignment was to ruminate on the quiet, to contemplate it, and if all went well, to exult in it.
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Watching from New Orleans, former Huskers star guard Tyronn Lue exulted.
Cite this Entry
“Preen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preen. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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