as in to bug
to disturb the peace of mind of (someone) especially by repeated disagreeable acts
don't nettle your brother while he's trying to do his homework
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of nettle
This year, Schaefer, who is chairman of the Texas Freedom Caucus, which has nettled GOP speakers in the past, is author of HB 20.
—
Dallas News, 13 Mar. 2023
In the years that followed, Bobby Sproul, who died in 2002 at 86, would continue to have the kind of success that apparently had nettled Link Williams.
—oregonlive, 15 Feb. 2023
Gorky’s privileged presence began to nettle Stalin.
—Algis Valiunas, National Review, 31 Mar. 2022
The pastrami dog is on the lunch menu and only nettling the dining room between 11 AM and 9 PM each day.
—Mike Sula, Chicago Reader, 12 July 2018
See All Example Sentences for nettle
Dallas News, 13 Mar. 2023
In the years that followed, Bobby Sproul, who died in 2002 at 86, would continue to have the kind of success that apparently had nettled Link Williams.
—oregonlive, 15 Feb. 2023
Gorky’s privileged presence began to nettle Stalin.
—Algis Valiunas, National Review, 31 Mar. 2022
The pastrami dog is on the lunch menu and only nettling the dining room between 11 AM and 9 PM each day.
—Mike Sula, Chicago Reader, 12 July 2018
See All Example Sentences for nettle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nettle
Verb
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But this is not the case in Season 2, and it’s been bugging me to no end.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
20 May 2025
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In less than a minute, Judge posed both the problem and the solution that will bug the Yankees for as long as Soto is doing his shuffle.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
Verb
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After years of ‘losing culture,’ can the new-look Chicago Bears turn things around on defense? Chicago Bears safety Kevin Byard didn’t bother mincing words.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
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Users do have to purchase such gadgets, learn how to utilize them, and put them on their body, however, which are all steps that many folks simply won't bother taking.—
Ben Coxworth,
New Atlas,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Orlando Sentinel Residents also allege the neighbor erected phallic objects on a fence at his home to annoy them.—
Stephen Hudak,
The Orlando Sentinel,
27 May 2025
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Cahill also spoke about how the political nature of the case annoyed him, as politicians spoke out about Floyd's death, and some called for system-wide change.—
Charlotte Phillipp,
People.com,
25 May 2025
Verb
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Sturdy posts at the front of the shoes connect to a flip-flop style design that won’t irritate or chafe your skin, while the supportive insoles are far better-suited for days spent on your feet than flimsy, cheaper sandals.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2025
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There are pull-ups made with Velcro that can irritate your child’s skin, especially when misaligned.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Some of the journalists who were terminated on Thursday were from countries with repressive governments that persecute journalists for independent reporting, Mr. Abramowitz said in the email to employees on Thursday.—
Minho Kim,
New York Times,
16 May 2025
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According to tradition, Peter traveled to Rome to spread the Christian message and was martyred there during the reign of the Emperor Nero, around 64 A.D., as Christians were being persecuted.—
Vanessa Gera,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2025
Verb
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This spot for soccer fans offers lots of pub fare to eat and drink.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Mar. 2025
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The calls came while eating lunch, while lying in bed at night.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
21 May 2025
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That, plus more demanding processors, higher burst rates, and video modes, means mirrorless cameras get less battery life than DSLRs.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Despite having good intentions, this may ruffle some feathers or cause financial distress.—
Liz Simmons,
StyleCaster,
27 May 2025
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Here’s why May 23, 2025 Outside the golf resort, a stiff wind kicked up, ruffling the palm trees and sending small waves across a water hazard on the 18th green — an obvious metaphor for these blustery and unsettled times.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Los Angeles Times,
27 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Nettle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nettle. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.
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