PREEN Synonyms: 49 Similar and Opposite Words

preen

verb

Definition of preen

as in to gloat

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Dissimilar Words

as in to primp

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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 preen Kea are among the animals known to use tools, and in 2021 Bruce gained fame for employing a pebble to help preen himself. — Elizabeth Anne Brown, Scientific American, 20 Apr. 2026 Cher, our stand-in for Emma Woodhouse, is the it-girl at the center of it all, confident and unflappable in her place in the hierarchy—but with a hint of narcissism that gives her a preening over-confidence in her capabilities. — Literary Hub, 16 Apr. 2026 Give birds a place to preen by setting up a bird bath in your flower bed. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026 Although this is a routine preening behavior, the timing of the click took an ordinary grooming moment and gave it a theatrical twist. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for preen

Recent Examples of Synonyms for preen

Verb

If a friend or colleague is suddenly competing with you for attention, or obnoxiously gloating about their accomplishments, remember that you’re allowed to stop participating in the comparison game.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
Trump may gloat about the earnings, but that did nothing to address the very real national security concerns with handing our greatest adversary a leg up in the artificial intelligence race.

— Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of gloat

Verb

Messi, at 35, led his country to glory against France, winning soccer’s ultimate prize in a pulsating match that finished 3-3 after extra time and had to be settled by a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.

— Patrick Smith, NBC News, 19 Dec. 2022
If Harris can bring together a family with Indian, African, and Jewish heritage, America can glory in its diversity.

— Fintan O’Toole, The New York Review of Books, 26 Aug. 2020

Definition of glory

Verb

The Curaçao radio broadcast team, which led the crowd in the country’s national anthem before the game, began to exult.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Le Guin’s prose and poetry mourn the dead forest and other living Earth beings while exulting at the mountain’s power.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of exult

Browse Nearby Words

preempts

preen

preened

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“Preen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/preen. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of preen

verb

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