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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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
Valeria Mongelli / Anadolu via Getty Images The previous year, a former police officer killed 36 people during a three-hour shooting and stabbing spree in the country’s northeast. — Nat Sumon, NBC news, 7 Aug. 2026 Brennan was previously convicted of second-degree murder with a deadly weapon after stabbing her 76-year-old mother to death with a butcher knife in Hollywood in 2014, according to a probable cause affidavit. — Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Noun
Roku is available in 15 countries, but a stab at localizing the backgrounds stayed on the drawing board. — Pat Saperstein, Variety, 3 Aug. 2026 Everything else–the percussive jumpscares, the distorted synth stabs, the unintelligible vocal samples–pops in and out at will. — Olivier Lafontant, Pitchfork, 31 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
  • The film ends up with raucously funny situations buoyed by piercing second-hand embarrassment.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Eight thick stone legs support a circular tower pierced by arched openings.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of pierce
Noun
  • Photos shared by the family show Claire Macdonel's hand covered in cuts and puncture wounds shortly after the bite.
    — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Eight hours of stitching to close all the puncture wounds and tears followed.
    — Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 July 2026
Definition of puncture
Noun
  • More than 150 migrants were rescued in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a boat caught fire in the English Channel in an attempt to travel from France to Britain, according to French authorities.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The current revival attempt is driven by higher capital costs and a backlash against ESG frameworks, offering a seemingly simple objective.
    — Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • Cannon said before pretending to jab his arm with a dosage while squealing from the pain and showing his vaccination card.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of jab
Noun
  • Positioning decides the outcome before the first exchange, and the punches only confirm it.
    — Serhii Zakharov, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Sal knows how to properly spark a Zippo, seduce women, shuck oysters, throw a punch, and other Badass Masshole 101 lessons.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of punch
Noun
  • After six tries, the 45-year-old right-hander got his 246th victory and finally broke the tie with Nicaragua’s Dennis Martinez.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The third try, using the Long March 10B, took place on July 10.
    — Andrew Jones, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • Later that day, her most devout followers rented a fleet of RVs, picked Didulo up from her apartment, and began driving across the country.
    — Zander Sherman, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Her performance was the latest example of her sophomore surge, as Malonga is spearheading a Storm rebuild alongside 2026 first-round picks Johnson and Awa Fam.
    — Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Even after losing an arm, the old warrior manages to stick the Hightower lord, just in time to have Ulf and Silverwing appear above them.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Then the pandemic hit, and Piker was stuck in his one-bedroom apartment, depressed and alone.
    — Josh Eells, Rolling Stone, 9 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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