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

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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
In fact, Fielder says, Blaine was literally stabbing his hand, puncturing his own flesh to create the illusion of an illusion. — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026 After losing in 2024, McGinn has repeatedly raised concerns on the campaign trail about Bradley’s absence from a vote in the Senate on legislation named for the Ukrainian refugee fatally stabbed on Charlotte’s light rail. — Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
Testers dropped heavy weights from considerable heights onto the containers and used metal fangs to make stabs at perforation. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2026 But multiple stab wounds and the surrounding evidence point to her husband. — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 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 bullet pierced the rear passenger window of Irvine’s car, striking him in the right shoulder and causing his death.
    — Kelsie Cairns , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
  • No wonder some of the film’s most piercing moments are on the periphery.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of pierce
Noun
  • The Cupertino writers are really cooking with this case, which once again sees multiple reversals of fortune, with Chatlike presenting airtight arguments that PSA punctures and vice versa.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The seven-step facial includes a cleanse; a professional biostimulating step applied to the skin with no needles; lifting; nano-infusion with a no-puncture tip; a cold biocellulose mask; LED, and finishing serums and SPF.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of puncture
Noun
  • Well, on Monday, Overshown put those doubts to rest by tying for the team lead with six tackles and recording a game-sealing interception in the fourth quarter to thwart a Philadelphia comeback attempt.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Butker made his next attempt — a 50-yard field goal to cut the Seahawks’ lead to 13-3 late in the third quarter — before missing from 45 yards midway through the fourth.
    — Pete Sweeney October 26, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of attempt
Verb
  • The film’s pick-me jabs at humor are frankly, flatly unfunny and grating, twisting the film at times into a perverse, almost self-aware treatise on tweeness.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Rainbow continued to jab the secretary of health as his primary opposition throughout the parody of the Frank Loesser song.
    — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of jab
Noun
  • And a fair fight is not just two fighters throwing the same punches at each other for 50 years.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The answer is mostly yes, especially now that the highest trim level brings some serious Harman Kardon punch.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of punch
Noun
  • Edwards had 18 in that burst, while Miami missed on 11 of 12 3-point tries.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • At its heart, the greatest album of all time beams with try-hard enthusiasm for popcraft—but don’t try telling Stel that.
    — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of try
Verb
  • Others in the sales organization picked it up within twenty-four hours of him sharing it in Slack.
    — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, studios seem to be picking works that come with a hungry audience attached but can still exist independent of their roots.
    — Emily Maskell, IndieWire, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • Raichlen’s career, in a way, is similar in that he’s never been stuck in the lane of writing about barbecuing only brisket and pork.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Hopefully, Goover will stick the landing with its product, and stick around for a while to come.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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