Find Synonyms
thumb Synonyms
Another word for thumb
Choosing another word for thumb depends on context, so the 17 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• noun (Context 1)
The short, thick first digit of the human hand, set lower and apart from the other four and opposable to them.
Usage Example
"She accidentally hit her pollex with the hammer while trying to drive the nail."
Strongest
pollex
Strong
digit
• verb (Context 2)
To turn the pages of a book or magazine quickly or idly with one's thumb.
Usage Example
"He sat in the waiting room and thumbed through an old magazine."
Strongest
leaf
flip
riffle
flick
Strong
page
browse
skim
scan
• verb (Context 3)
To solicit a ride from passing vehicles by holding out one's hand with the thumb raised.
Usage Example
"With no buses running, they had to hitchhike a ride to the next town."
Strongest
hitchhike
hitch
• verb (Context 4)
To press, move, or smudge something using the thumb.
Usage Example
"He thumbed a coin into the vending machine slot and pressed the button."
Strong
press
push
prod
smudge
Weak
soil
Opposites of thumb
The opposite of thumb shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
pore over
peruse
study
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Thumb. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/thumb