Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While the two candidates have needled each other with personal digs and insults throughout much of the campaign, they appeared to set that energy aside during the Clovis forum and even traded some compliments.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2026

In response, Ms. Holmes’s lawyers have needled Theranos’s investors for their oversights, aiming to convince the jury that the investors were the ones at fault for not digging into Ms. Holmes’ claims.

From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2021

This is no small gesture, given Mr. Modi’s close links to the Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, an organization whose leaders have needled the nun in the past.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 1, 2016

At first glance, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver looks almost exactly like the parody news shows that have needled the issues for the last decade.

From The Verge • Dec. 8, 2014

Others have needled her about leading the Labor Party while living the good life in a swanky suburb.

From Time Magazine Archive