Synonyms for

Beetle

Verb / ˈbi:tʌl / Another word for beetle — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a type of insect with a hard outer shell and wings that fold together

Synonyms & similar words

mallet beetling overhang insect bug creepy-crawly arthropod scarab weevil ladybug firefly caterpillar worm grub maggot larva pupa chrysalis ant bee fly mosquito

Synonyms by register

Formal

coleopteran insect

Informal

bug

Literary

scarab chitinous crawler

Antonyms

fly bird butterfly moth dragonfly

Common collocations

  • dung beetle
  • ladybug beetle
  • stag beetle
  • ground beetle
  • june beetle
  • beetle carapace
  • beetle larvae

Word family

noun beetle
verb beetle

Usage note

The word 'beetle' can also be used as a verb, meaning to move or progress with effort, often in a stooped or hurried manner.

Example sentences

  1. The beetle crawled slowly across the leaf.
  2. I found a beetle in my garden today.
  3. The shiny green beetle caught my eye.
  4. The beetle was hiding under a rock.
  5. The beetle flew away when I tried to catch it.

Quotes

  • Nature is full of freaks, and now puts the finishing touches on this masterpiece [beetle] by making him a saccharine manufacturer. - Henry David Thoreau
  • The dung beetle, seeing his image in the ball of dung, mistakes it for a rival and attacks fiercely. - Anonymous
  • The beetle is a creature admirable for its pertinacity and persistence, of which we have a good illustration in its deadly combat with the kangaroo-rat. - John Burroughs

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words