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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thumb
Since the late 1970s, victories at the bargaining table have been less frequent, and UFW leaders admit ranchers thumbed their noses during contract negotiations, daring them to strike.
—
Marcos Breton, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Going out on top has its appeal, but Auriemma plans, even if granted another such opportunity, to thumb his nose at it once more.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Val Kilmer’s performance as this trickster poet forever thumbing his nose at reality embodies the movie’s tensions.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
For months, this young, rambunctious, and altogether infectious bunch played with house money, thumbing their collective noses at the idea of another year of rebuild futility.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thumb
Marcos Breton, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
Going out on top has its appeal, but Auriemma plans, even if granted another such opportunity, to thumb his nose at it once more.
—Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026
Val Kilmer’s performance as this trickster poet forever thumbing his nose at reality embodies the movie’s tensions.
—Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 10 Mar. 2026
For months, this young, rambunctious, and altogether infectious bunch played with house money, thumbing their collective noses at the idea of another year of rebuild futility.
—Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for thumb
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thumb
Verb
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Not to mention every package that lands on your doorstep has traveled through the shipping supply chain, giving pests like cockroaches and grain beetles ample opportunities to hitch a ride.—
Kate Van Pelt,
The Spruce,
15 May 2026
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For the 34th time, SpaceX's Dragon cargo capsule will hitch a ride to orbit atop the company's 230-foot, two-stage Falcon 9 rocket, which will launch from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Verb
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But public opinion has flipped since 2023, when Israel, in retaliation for Hamas’s October 7th attack, launched a military campaign in Gaza.—
Jason Zengerle,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
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The actress-turned-media-company owner has long had the grit required to ideate, found, and ultimately sell a near-billion-dollar company that flipped Hollywood’s script on its head.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
17 May 2026
Verb
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On March 17, a video obtained by TMZ showed LaBeouf in a hotel lobby in Rome, Italy, wearing only his underwear and trying to bum a light for a cigarette.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
1 Apr. 2026
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Spring cleaning bumming you out?—
K. Thor Jensen,
PC Magazine,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In spring, when the trees start to leaf, Cedar Mountain comes alive with toe-tapping music, pottery studios, galleries and locals who welcome you in.—
Belinda Luksic,
Southern Living,
1 May 2026
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At the site, trees are leafing as workers add finishing touches.—
Aria Jones,
Dallas Morning News,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
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In short, this step ensures the mission doesn't accidentally carry any hitchhiking microorganisms to Mars.—
Chelsea Gohd,
Space.com,
1 May 2026
Verb
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Crafted from a soft, body-skimming blend of rayon, polyester, and spandex, this wrap-style dress offers all-day comfort.—
Kate Donovan,
Southern Living,
11 May 2026
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These skinny jeans are a close lookalike for Stewart’s with a mid-blue wash and ankle-skimming silhouette.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Video
When Body Parts Are Also Verbs
Head, shoulders, metaphors, and toes
Cite this Entry
“Thumb.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thumb. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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