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
Antony Beevor, Foreign Affairs, 29 Dec. 2022
The bomb lances fired from whale guns had an exploding tip that would detonate moments after piercing the whale’s skin.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
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
Avenging Cossacks waited to skewer enemy soldiers on their long lances; Russian peasants simply slaughtered them with scythes.
—Antony Beevor, Foreign Affairs, 29 Dec. 2022
The bomb lances fired from whale guns had an exploding tip that would detonate moments after piercing the whale’s skin.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
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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Those who serve at the tip of the spear set the tone for everyone else by demonstrating the highest levels of integrity through personal and professional actions.—
Cody Bjugan,
Forbes,
19 Feb. 2025
-
Then, during the Cold War, US presence expanded exponentially: initially a secret project, the Strategic Air Command base at Thule put Greenland at the tip of the nuclear spear.—
Matthew Wills,
JSTOR Daily,
10 Feb. 2025
Verb
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An off-duty Cal Fire captain was found fatally stabbed inside her Ramona home Monday evening, and sheriff’s detectives are investigating the homicide as a possible domestic violence case, officials said.—
Karen Kucher,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2025
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Jevon Tyrese Fletcher, 26, is accused of stabbing the victims multiple times inside an apartment in the 400 block of Meloy Road Saturday night, NBC Connecticut reported.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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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
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Instead, General Livius duels Commodus with javelins for the fate of Rome in a makeshift arena made of centurion shields.—
James Grebey,
Vulture,
22 Nov. 2024
Verb
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At the Justice Department — which haunted both Trump's first term and his next four years as a private citizen — the purging of career prosecutors and FBI agents has punctured any veneer of independence from the White House.—
Zachary Basu,
Axios,
20 Feb. 2025
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There were three unprovoked attacks in California, including one in which a surfboard was punctured.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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When recovered, the rifle was loaded with high-powered ammunition capable of piercing standard body armor and ready to fire, with the scope caps flipped open, the selector lever set to fire and a round chambered.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
28 Feb. 2025
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Prosecutors said the rifle was loaded with high-powered ammunition capable of piercing body armor, with the scope caps open, and was ready to fire.—
Jack Date,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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This isn’t the first time Drake has jabbed the famous podcaster this week.—
Carl Lamarre,
Billboard,
14 Feb. 2025
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Johnson, unfazed and ever the competitor, took it in stride and even jabbed back at the NBA star by questioning his skills on the basketball court.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
Newsweek,
1 Feb. 2025
Verb
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In picking Bongino for the FBI deputy director job, Trump again is emphasizing loyalty and MAGA credentials over experience.—
Zac Anderson,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
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Unofficial Party Planner Organizing an annual Christmas or year-end party is more than just picking a venue and inviting everyone.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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That means taking off your shoe and sock and checking for any sign of injury such as any tenderness, swelling, bruising, deformity, laceration or bones sticking through the skin.—
Bruce Y. Lee,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
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Vivienne appeared to be having fun with her friend, as she was pictured laughing and sticking her tongue out.—
Effie Orfanides,
Newsweek,
1 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lance.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lance. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
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