1
2
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
you'd better shut up if you don't want a poke on the nose
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in insult
an act or expression showing scorn and usually intended to hurt another's feelings
the constantly bickering husband and wife seem unable to let five minutes pass without an exchange of gratuitous pokes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
chiefly Southern & Midland
as in pouch
a container made of a flexible material (as paper or plastic)
the old warning against buying a pig in a poke
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to protrude
to extend outward beyond a usual point
saw his head poking through the window
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to interfere
to interest oneself in what is not one's concern
told him to stop poking into other people's business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to crawl
to move or act slowly
just poked around all morning and didn't accomplish much
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 poke
Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024
Most notably, the long spines on their fins are filled with venom that can be potentially fatal to any predators trying to take a bite, and a poke from the spines can be extremely painful for people, according to Oceana International.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
Andrew Davidson, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
In the video, which has been viewed more than 5.6 million times, baby Elsie lies with her back to the camera, wearing an adorable pink hat, with long, thick strands of dark hair visible poking out underneath.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poke
Noun
The twist of the group being able to lose slow pokes for the cost of their money might actually lead to interesting dilemmas for the climbers, except that the producers too often try to force the players' hands.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 27 Sep. 2024
Most notably, the long spines on their fins are filled with venom that can be potentially fatal to any predators trying to take a bite, and a poke from the spines can be extremely painful for people, according to Oceana International.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
Encourage everyone to speak up and poke holes in ideas so that not just the loudest voice is heard.
—Andrew Davidson, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025
In the video, which has been viewed more than 5.6 million times, baby Elsie lies with her back to the camera, wearing an adorable pink hat, with long, thick strands of dark hair visible poking out underneath.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for poke
Recent Examples of Synonyms for poke
Verb
-
With two foot-long horns protruding from either side of their heads, a large hump resting on their shoulders and folds of loose skin drooping from their neck, these aren’t your typical black-and-white milk carton dairy cows.—
Stephanie Lam,
The Mercury News,
23 Mar. 2025
-
On the back, the 9a breaks from Pixel tradition, replacing the width-spanning camera bar with a small module protruding from the back.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
That approach works better, interfering less with the maestro’s performance(s), while sleight of hand allows the actor to appear opposite himself in a handful of scenes.—
Peter Debruge,
Variety,
19 Mar. 2025
-
That complaint, in reference to electioneering and interfering in the polls, was lodged against Martin Sorice for wearing clothing supporting then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at an early voting Schererville site last fall.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
If no shelter is available, crawl to an interior wall away from windows.—
Helena Wegner,
Sacbee.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Senators from both sides of the aisle are reigniting efforts to crawl back technology companies’ legal immunities with hopes bipartisan support in Congress could push the bill across the finish line this session and gain the backing of President Trump.—
Miranda Nazzaro,
The Hill,
2 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The average is dragged lower by the three most recent economic contractions, which were all atypical.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Watkins combines that with intelligent runs in behind, dragging defenders with him.—
Art de Roché,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Trade professionals and home improvement DIYers often buy heavy-duty handheld vacuums to clean job site messes like sawdust, drywall dust or wood shavings.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2025
-
That messed me up, that messed my friends up, messed my whole family up.—
Benjamin Royer,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The cool weather is expected to linger in the metro during the first part of next week.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
4 Apr. 2025
-
But everyone must weigh their options should this trade war linger on.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
This creeping groundcover thrives in dappled shade and is a good choice for the front of a perennial border or growing between trees and shrubs in a woodland garden.—
Rita Pelczar,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Beyond that, temperatures will creep above normal into the weekend and early next week.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Admins with full access can snoop on the communications at any time.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Back at Kayenta Police Station, a new FBI agent, Sylvie Washington, is snooping around.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
16 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Poke.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/poke. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share