as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
doctors used to lance infected sores, so that they could drain clean
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lance
Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Mar. 2024
Around 100 spearheads, swords, lances, and chainmail were also found at the site as part of a 1,600-year-old weapon offering.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Caitie Kelly Wei Tchou Julia Halperin Tom Delavan Lane Nieset Gage Daughdrill, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2023
In some ways, chiropractic was ripe for this type of treatment, just as dermatology was ripe for Dr. Pimple Popper to lance the field wide open for the disgust and pleasure of a massive audience.
—Lauren Larson, Men's Health, 25 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for lance
Noun
Points are scored if a rider breaks the tip of their lances on the other rider's shield.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 12 Mar. 2024
Around 100 spearheads, swords, lances, and chainmail were also found at the site as part of a 1,600-year-old weapon offering.
—Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
There are also venison and pig trotter pies, each lanced with an enormous marrow bone.
—Caitie Kelly Wei Tchou Julia Halperin Tom Delavan Lane Nieset Gage Daughdrill, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2023
In some ways, chiropractic was ripe for this type of treatment, just as dermatology was ripe for Dr. Pimple Popper to lance the field wide open for the disgust and pleasure of a massive audience.
—Lauren Larson, Men's Health, 25 July 2023
See All Example Sentences for lance
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lance
Noun
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Some of the obsidian artifacts, including arrowheads and spear tips, traveled nearly 750 miles from their source, according to Allan.—
Lauren Liebhaber,
Miami Herald,
7 Apr. 2025
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The oldest item is an atlatl, otherwise known as a spear thrower, which the researchers described in a 2023 paper in The Journal of Big Bend Studies.—
Livia Albeck-Ripka,
New York Times,
4 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Austin’s father, Jeff Metcalf, said he was stabbed in the heart and died in his twin brother’s arms.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Apr. 2025
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Police said evidence found at the scene indicated the man was stabbed near a bus stop in the 100 block of 11th Street.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Catcher Patrick Bailey issued a word of warning: throwing javelin has almost nothing to do with throwing a baseball.—
Andrew Baggarly,
The Athletic,
12 Aug. 2024
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With all of this going on in the house, why, oh why would Jesse Solomon (always both names) hurl himself at Lexi with the velocity of a gold medal javelin throw?—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In the crash, something punctured Shiffrin’s side and caused severe trauma to her oblique muscles.—
Pat Graham,
The Denver Post,
24 Mar. 2025
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At the apex of the Western Conference standings sits the imposing Jets, who have run roughshod over all comers throughout the season and punctured the Canucks convincingly with a 6-1 victory in their only meeting of the year so far.—
Thomas Drance,
The Athletic,
24 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Sprinkle salt and pepper on and toss until the spears are lightly coated in oil. Spread them out in a single layer on the pan. Bake just until the base of a stalk is easily pierced.—
Gretchen McKay,
Boston Herald,
2 Apr. 2025
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Bake just until the base of a stalk is easily pierced.—
Tribune News Service,
Denver Post,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Trump has repeatedly stated his desire to see Canada become the US’ 51st state, jabbed at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and threatened massive tariffs that would have a devastating effect on Canada’s economy.—
Homero De la Fuente,
CNN,
20 Feb. 2025
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The video shows narwhals using their tusks to jab and stun the fish, which could indicate how narwhals interact with their prey.—
Monica Cull,
Discover Magazine,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Even when bottled on its own in the 1980s, it was often picked late and sold in a long, slender bottle similar to riesling’s suggested sweetness, Ogilvie Merwin Vintners co-owner and director of production David Ogilvie said.—
Benjy Egel,
Sacbee.com,
3 Apr. 2025
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Players such as Milwaukee Brewers draft pick Griffin Tobias graduated, but returnees include senior third baseman Ryder Fernandez (Purdue Northwest), senior outfielder Drew Kosteba (Purdue Northwest), sophomore shortstop Parker Robinson and senior pitcher Josh Flores (Kentucky).—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Rhodes and Reigns had an epic fight, with Reigns sticking in it with the help of the Bloodline and Rhodes surviving purely based on his own toughness.—
John W. Dean,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Apr. 2025
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Keep Light Bulbs From Sticking Outdoor light bulbs can have a knack for sticking in the socket after long periods of time, leaving you with the task of trying to unscrew a stubborn bulb without breaking the glass.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
4 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lance. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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