Word
squinting
Phoneticssquint·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈskwɪntɪŋ/
UK/skwˈɪntɪŋ/
Definition
v. to narrow your eyes to see more clearly, often in bright light or at something far away.
v. to partially close the eyes to reduce bright light or to bring an object into clearer focus. Typically describes a temporary narrowing of the eyelids in response to glare or poor visibility.
Examples
“She is squinting at the bright screen.”
“He keeps squinting at the road signs because he forgot his glasses at home.”
“The old sailor stood on the deck, squinting toward the horizon where the sky and sea blurred into one pale line.”
Examples
simple
“She is squinting at the bright screen.”
contextual
“He keeps squinting at the road signs because he forgot his glasses at home.”
complex
“The old sailor stood on the deck, squinting toward the horizon where the sky and sea blurred into one pale line.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “squinting” in context.
Verb
01. keep squinting
“He kept squinting at the board because he sat too far back.”
verb + gerund
02. squinting at
“She was squinting at the departure board across the station.”
verb + prep
03. squinting in
“They were squinting in the bright afternoon sunlight.”
verb + prep
Adjective
04. constant squinting
“Constant squinting in class suggested she needed glasses.”
adj + noun
05. excessive squinting
“Excessive squinting outdoors can mean your sunglasses are too weak.”
adj + noun
06. slight squinting
“The doctor noticed slight squinting in his left eye during the test.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. act of squinting
“The act of squinting helps reduce glare for a moment.”
noun + prep + noun
08. habit of squinting
“Reading in dim light gave him the habit of squinting.”
noun + prep + noun
09. squint against the light
“She raised her hand to squint against the light.”
10. squint at the screen
“He leaned forward to squint at the screen in the dark office.”
11. squint in bright sunlight
“We had to squint in bright sunlight to see the stage.”
12. squint to see clearly
“The driver had to squint to see clearly through the rain.”
Usage
The verb is intransitive and usually appears without an object.
Real-World Examples
“I squinted into the distance and eventually located the ocean – nearly 2km off the coast.” “At the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, an elderly Maasai village chief squints up at the summit and says only God can explain the shrinking snowcap and worsening droughts.” “I squinted into the midday sun and sipped a gin and tonic, balancing on one foot and leaning out of the side of our purpose-built, private railcar, hoping for a better view of a vibrant bird perched atop a wire.” “Nine-year-old Jane Rowth blinked her eyes open and squinted out into the moody evening shadows.” Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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