fingering

[fing-ger-ing] / ˈfɪŋ gər ɪŋ /

VERB

touch lightly

Synonyms

STRONG

feel fiddle grope handle manipulate maul meddle palpate paw thumb

WEAK

play with toy with

Antonyms

WEAK

ignore manhandle pass over

VERB

choose, designate

Synonyms

STRONG

appoint determine identify indicate locate make name nominate specify tap

WEAK

pin down point out

Antonyms

STRONG

ignore lose miss refuse

WEAK

manhandle pass over

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Chopin sought to convey these moods through explicit performing directions about fingering, pedaling and slurring.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

"I tend now to play parts of chords, rather than fingering the whole damn thing. I use these shortcuts that would be a nightmare for a guitar teacher."

From BBC • Nov. 21, 2023

She had a leopard scarf elegantly wrapped around her head and was fingering a glittering ring and staring blankly into the distance.

From Reuters • Feb. 7, 2023

He looked away, fingering a frayed edge of the carpet.

From Salon • Dec. 15, 2022

They outfitted Milkman completely, laughing all the while at his underwear, fingering his vest—Small Boy tried to get his wrestler’s arms into Milkman’s jacket—and wondering what had happened to his feet.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison