stab 1 of 2

verb

Definition of stabnext
as in to pierce
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object stabbed the pesky leaf with the tines of the rake

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stab

2 of 2

noun

ˈstab How to pronounce stab (audio)
1
as in puncture
a mark or small hole made by a pointed instrument the injection left a small stab on her upper arm

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in attempt
an effort to do or accomplish something everybody will get a stab at solving the problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 stab
Verb
Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to stabbing four University of Idaho students to death and waived his right to appeal, is now seeking post-conviction relief by claiming his plea was false. — Chadd Cripe. Produced With Ai Assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026 In 2022, four University of Idaho students were brutally stabbed to death in their off-campus home. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 30 July 2026
Noun
Reed later caught a quick stab from Pickett for a touchdown off a shallow crossing route. — Mike Kaye july 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 July 2026 María Potosí was found dead by the Meléndez River in La Buitrera, Cali, with at least four stab wounds and her baby removed from her womb on July 20, according to Colombian outlets El Colombiano and RCN Noticias. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stab
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stab
  1. pierce
  2. puncture
  3. attempt
  4. jab
  5. punch
  6. try
  7. pick
  8. stick
Verb
  • Their headlamps piercing the watery dark, the group swims along (only Sara has accepted a life jacket), admiring the bats and stalactites while Wat reminds them to respect the caves.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 29 July 2026
  • O’Connor’s face filled the screen, her crystal-blue eyes piercing me in my own living room.
    — Jayson Greene, Pitchfork, 25 July 2026
Definition of pierce
Noun
  • The family was not present Friday for the medical examiner’s testimony, which featured graphic autopsy photos including two puncture wounds to the chest and abdomen that the medical examiner determined caused the victim’s death.
    — Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The neighbor also suffered a puncture wound during the fight, police said.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of puncture
Noun
  • The new district snakes up through Kansas City’s urban core, in an attempt to create a district more favorable for Republicans in the 5th District.
    — Jack Harvel July 28, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • The new scheme is the latest in a series of attempts by officials to lure back tourists.
    — Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu jabbed back against the prevailing narrative yesterday, saying she was never invited to participate in the WNBA’s 3-point contest this weekend.
    — Chris Branch, New York Times, 24 July 2026
  • Michigan Dem hopeful Abdul El-Sayed jabs CNN giving him 'non-consensual colonoscopy' in recent interviews.
    — , FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of jab
Noun
  • There are also plenty of games and activities for sale in the hotel store, including watercolor kits, colorful punch balloons, activity books, knitting kits, pick-up sticks, puzzles, toys, and more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Citrus Although a wonderful addition to any dish that needs a punch of acid, oranges, limes, lemons, grapefruits and other citruses are detrimental to cats' health.
    — Pat Mueller, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of punch
Noun
  • Other notable tech that is transforming fashion apparel and retail includes virtual try-on and AR.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
  • As several of her peers engaged with adaptive sports for the first time, Hwang felt compelled to give them a try herself.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • That ranked fifth among the 63 college FBS receivers who were targeted at least 25 times on man-to-man routes — more than first-round picks Jordyn Tyson and Makai Lemon.
    — Sam McDowell, Kansas City Star, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The shrinking labor supply has contributed to the low-hire, low-fire environment, though recent months have seen a pick-up in job growth.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Oba Femi punched the chair out of Brock’s hand and stuck him with the Fall from Grace for the win.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The Sparks, meanwhile, are stuck in their rebuild limbo, with several veterans on long-term contracts and just Rae Burrell on an expiring contract.
    — Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of stick

Phrases Containing stab

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squooshy
stab
stabbed
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Cite this Entry

“Stab.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stab. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of stab for Spanish Speakers

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