Synonyms for

Poking

Verb / ˈpəʊkɪŋ / Another word for poking — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

The act of prodding or pushing something with a finger or pointed object.

Synonyms & similar words

pry pound dig poke thump hornin stab jab prod intrude thrusting nose jabbing thrust jabbing prodding pushing stabbing nudging touching tapping pressing piercing penetrating pricking puncturing thrusting shoving jostling elbowing butting ramming bumping crowding

Synonyms by register

Formal

prodding jabbing nudging thrusting

Informal

poking around fiddling messing with prodding

Literary

pricking goading

Antonyms

withdrawing abstaining avoiding ceasing stopping refraining

Common collocations

  • poking fun at
  • poking around in
  • poking a hole
  • poking through
  • poking the bear
  • poking a stick

Word family

noun poke
verb poke
adjective poky

Usage note

The informal sense of 'poking around' implies searching or investigating casually. 'Poking fun at' is a common idiom meaning to tease or ridicule.

Example sentences

  1. The cat was poking at the toy with her paw.
  2. Mom was poking the fire to make it hotter.
  3. He kept poking me in the arm to get my attention.
  4. She was poking holes in the paper with a pencil.
  5. The little boy was poking his finger through the fence.

Quotes

  • I'm just poking around trying to find a good story to tell.
  • I'm poking holes in my food to let the steam out.
  • I'm poking my head out the window to feel the breeze.

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