impale

verb

im-ˈpāl How to pronounce impale (audio)
Definition of impalenext
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object impale a marshmallow or two on that stick and let's start toasting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of impale The involved vehicle struck a metal railing and was then impaled by it, according to a CHP incident log. — City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 July 2026 As safety regulations increased in later decades, the elaborate hood ornament largely disappeared, replaced by badges that were far less romantic but much less likely to impale anyone. — Peter Lyon, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 Hickory Hills and Bridgeview area residents stood outside their apartment building Friday looking at the roof blown off and a piece of wood impaling a garage. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 The person was also reportedly impaled by a tree branch, which first responders declined to remove during the transport process. — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for impale
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impale
  1. stab
  2. pierce
  3. puncture
  4. pick
  5. stick
  6. jab
Verb
  • The North Texas woman arrested Tuesday after allegedly stabbing and injuring her husband and two young children at their Northlake home had been struggling with postpartum depression, according to court documents.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Tate and four others were stabbed and shot during the attacks.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of stab
Verb
  • Another piece sliced through his salivary gland before bouncing off his jaw and piercing the back of his neck, severing an artery and embedding in a vertebra.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The most impressive is the national park’s namesake, El Teide, a cloud-piercing volcano at around 12,200 feet high—Spain’s tallest peak.
    — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of pierce
Verb
  • Like the earlier series, this one readily acknowledges how real-world horrors can puncture even a relative safe space like Hillman.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
  • That notion reached its pinnacle after the Chiefs beat the Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game but was punctured by their 40-22 clobbering at the hands of the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of puncture
Verb
  • Politically, spiritually, institutionally, financially, environmentally, psychologically — pick your adverb.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The affidavit said the woman also provided police photos of her injuries and said a friend attempted to pick her up from the home on on the day of the incident but was turned away.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of pick
Verb
  • One prospective shopper, Sam, a 38-year-old freelance fashion designer, was drawn in first by the queue, but decided to stick it out.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Overrun with puzzling plot points, several cameos and a bloated supporting cast, the series fails to stick the landing.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of stick
Verb
  • At the tail end of their time on stage, the former castmates took the opportunity to jab at the Buffy revival’s cancellation earlier this year.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than immediately running toward his destination on the opposite side of the field, Jefferson jabs at the defender to create even more separation.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of jab

Browse Nearby Words

impairs
impale
impaled
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Cite this Entry

“Impale.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impale. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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