pencil

verb

Definition of pencilnext
as in to ink

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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 pencil For a generation that could easily spend 20 to 30 years in retirement, the math does not pencil out. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 7 June 2026 City Council can review and reject the deal, and the mayor needs to tap into our immense business and financial expertise to pencil a deal that makes sense. — Joe Holberg, Chicago Tribune, 5 June 2026 Injuries forced Vientos into a larger role than the Mets penciled him in for at the start of the season. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 29 May 2026 The statewide gain for school districts is a relief for Los Angeles Unified, which will likely be able to pencil out recent raises provided to employees to avert a strike, although long-term financial challenges remain for the state’s largest school system. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pencil
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pencil
  1. ink
  2. crayon
Verb
  • As Marchand first reported last month, Buck has clinched a sweet renewal deal with ESPN, inking a six-year extension that’s worth nearly $110 million.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Sacramento diehards can get a California outline with a star over the capital city, while Aftershock aficionados can ink the festival logo on themselves.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of ink
Verb
  • Smith Ready Mix officials met with him to discuss a design, suggesting perhaps a rocket ship or crayon on the silo, but neither design seemed fitting, Maldonado said.
    — Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Children tape crayoned train drawings to the corridor walls and make soap artwork on the windows.
    — Mark Orwoll, Travel + Leisure, 18 July 2023
Definition of crayon

Browse Nearby Words

penchants
pencil
penciled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on pencil

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pencil

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