thread 1 of 2

noun

ˈthred How to pronounce thread (audio)
Definition of threadnext
1
as in fiber
a thin, flexible structure that resembles a hair the unwary bug was snared in the sticky threads of the spider's web

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2
as in clothing
threads plural covering for the human body a number of people at the prom complimented me on my "nice threads"

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thread

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to weave
to scatter or set here and there among other things this history book threads excerpts from the diaries of pioneer women into its account of the settlement of the West

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2
as in to string
to put together into a series by means of or as if by means of a thread the reporter threaded his newspaper articles about the basketball team into a book that was essentially a chronicle of their championship season

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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 thread
Noun
The patterns included detailed specifications for thread tension and stitches per inch. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 By the time Frey and Felder nearly came to blows backstage in the summer of 1980, however, those threads were too frayed to hold. — Grayson Haver Currin, Pitchfork, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
Tara Rudd drove toward Angel City’s back line and threaded a pass through to Rodman, who raced downfield and curled a shot just over goalkeeper Angelina Anderson. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 Green Lantern has long been prized by fanboy screenwriters, but a hard needle to thread. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thread
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thread
  1. fiber
  2. clothing
  3. weave
  4. string
  5. wire
  6. wear
  7. insert
  8. filament
Noun
  • High-Protein Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds are packed with protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
    — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Common triggers, Ligresti said, include a lack of soluble fiber, a sudden dietary change, a spike in stress or too much coffee.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of fiber
Noun
  • Other secret variants included simplified, unsharpened ones to be dropped to resistance fighters that would hide their origin, as well as special small versions or ones with rings in the handle so they could be sewn into clothing or boots.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Few people want to invest in pricier clothing, bespoke interior design services, or luxury furnishings without ever talking with a live person.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clothing
Verb
  • After years of analysis, Caltrans has decided to weave strong micropiles into the 499 aging piles that now support the bridge’s piers, said Allan Kosup, chief deputy director of Caltrans District 11 in San Diego and Imperial counties.
    — David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Kamnop is a quest for healing and justice, where dreams become reality, weaving together memory, sorrow and joy.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of weave
Verb
  • Finally, on a Sunday night in January, Ricky Craig began stringing Christmas lights around the base of a vast, unidentifiable object—half of the storybook cottage formerly known as Pinky.
    — Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 27 Aug. 2026
  • At Christmas, snow machines cover the grounds while lights are strung through the trees and holiday music plays all day.
    — Emma Madden, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of string
Noun
  • In May 2020, Loughlin and Mossimo pleaded guilty to wire and mail fraud after they were accused of paying $500,000 for their daughters’ admission into the University of Southern California.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Will there be anybody available on the waiver wire who would walk through the door and, without a single day in the playbook, be a better option to protect Burrow’s blind side than Foster?
    — Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of wire
Noun
  • Over 26 years later, the formula still has staying power—both in popularity over the decades, and wear-time up to 16 hours.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ships and aircraft accumulate wear that must be repaired in the yard.
    — Monica Duffy Toft, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of wear
Verb
  • That game will then be playable completely digitally, without the need to ever insert the disc, as long as you (or a member of your family account) is logged in.
    — Kyle Orland, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
  • This mini gadget is easy to set up (just insert a battery, and place it next to a water source like a sink, sump pump, water heater, or washing machine), and can last up to two years with normal use.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of insert
Noun
  • The manufacturer struck a strategic partnership with Ambercycle in January 2025 to scale filament yarn made with the Los Angeles company’s Cycora regenerated polyester.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of selecting colors only from a digital palette, users can match model colors with real filament colors.
    — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of filament

Browse Nearby Words

thrash (out or over)
thread
threadbare
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on thread

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about thread

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