The Meaning of Tweak: What It Is and How To Use It

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You might have heard the word tweak in idioms like a tweak of the nose, but what does this word mean? In this article, we will teach you all about what the word tweak means and how to use it in a sentence. 

You will also learn about the origin of the word tweak, how to say tweak in other languages, and more!

What Does Tweak Mean?

According to Dictionary, the word tweak is a verb with a few different meanings. The first definition of tweak is to make a minor adjustment to something. Next, the word tweak can mean to make a sharp pinch or pull to something. 

The word tweak is also a slang term for using methamphetamines or stimulants. Someone who uses drugs in this way is called a tweaker. You can also use tweak as a noun to refer to sudden movements or small adjustments. The pronunciation of tweak is twēk.

How Can We Use Tweak in a Sentence?

Below, you will find several example sentences that contain the word tweak. Tweak has a few different definitions, each of which you will see in these examples of tweak. As you read these sentences, see if you can determine which definition of tweak it uses.

Example #1

When I was regularly tweaking on crystal meth, I realized I needed help. 

Question: What definition of tweak is used in the above sentence?

Answer: Above, the word tweak means to use a stimulant drug.

Example #2

I tweaked the bow in my hair to get it to lay right, but it kept sliding out of my silky, thin hair.

Question: What definition of tweak is used in the above sentence?

Answer: Above, the word tweak means to pinch or pull.

Example #3

The mother of the bride tweaked the wedding dress when the alterations were not quite right. 

Question: What definition of tweak is used in the above sentence?

Answer: Above, the word tweak means to make a small adjustment.

Example #4

The older brother tweaked his younger brother’s side just to annoy him. Their mother was tired of the constant bickering. 

Question: What definition of tweak is used in the above sentence?

Answer: Above, the word tweak means to pinch or pull.

Example #5

We tweaked our presentation after we received updated data from the marketing department. 

Question: What definition of tweak is used in the above sentence?

Answer: Above, the word tweak means to make a small adjustment.

Example #6

He was arrested for tweaking on illicit drugs, rather than being sent to a rehabilitation facility. 

Question: What definition of tweak is used in the above sentence?

Answer: Above, the word tweak means to use a stimulant drug.

What Is the Etymology of Tweak?

The word tweak originated as the Middle English twikken and twik. This word comes from the Old English twiccian and twick, which have origins in the Old High German zwecchon and zwicken.

What Are Translations of Tweak?

If you are going to another country where American English and British English are not spoken often, you should know how to say the word tweak — you never know when you might need to use this word! 

Therefore, whenever you are traveling to a foreign country, it is important to be prepared. For this, Nice Translator has you covered with the below translations of tweak. 

  • Indonesian: Cubit
  • Marathi: चिमटा
  • Turkish: çimdik
  • Hebrew: לִצבּוֹט
  • Swedish: Modifiera
  • Bengali: টুইট
  • Spanish: retocar
  • Thai: บิด
  • Arabic: قرص
  • Filipino: tweak
  • Swahili: tweak
  • Telugu: సర్దుబాటు
  • Vietnamese: điều chỉnh
  • Finnish: nipistää
  • Serbian: штипање
  • Urdu: موافقت
  • Gujarati: ઝઘડો
  • Kannada: ತಿರುಚಿಸು
  • Slovenian: prilagodite
  • Polish: dostrajać
  • Dutch: aanpassing
  • Japanese: 調整
  • Portuguese (Brazil): puxão
  • Slovak: vylepšenie
  • Icelandic: klip
  • Amharic: twnk
  • Hungarian: csípés
  • Tamil: மாற்றங்கள்
  • Chinese (Taiwan): 調整
  • Korean: 비틀기
  • Catalan: ajustar
  • Malayalam: മാറ്റങ്ങൾ
  • Russian: настройка
  • Latvian: knaust
  • Portuguese (Portugal): puxão
  • Greek: μικροδιόρθωση
  • Welsh: nyf nhw
  • Croatian: štipanje
  • Chinese (PRC): 调整
  • Bulgarian: ощипване
  • Hindi: ट्वीक
  • German: optimieren
  • French: tordre
  • Estonian: näpistama
  • Ukrainian: переробка
  • Romanian: ajustare fina
  • Basque: gora
  • Czech: Vylepšen

What Are Synonyms of Tweak?

Tweak is a fairly informal word with a positive connotation. This means that the word tweak is not appropriate for every situation. 

If you are searching for a word that has the same meaning as the word tweak but perhaps a different level of formality or connotation, you can use a synonym of tweak from Power Thesaurus.

  • adapt
  • adjust
  • adjustment
  • alter
  • alteration
  • amend
  • change
  • convert
  • customize
  • enhance
  • fine-tune
  • improve
  • jerk
  • modify
  • nip
  • pick off
  • pinch
  • pluck
  • pull
  • pull off
  • refashion
  • refine
  • regulate
  • remodel
  • reshape
  • revamp
  • revise
  • rework
  • squeeze
  • transform
  • twinge
  • twist
  • twitch
  • vary
  • wrench
  • yank

What Are Antonyms of Tweak?

Sometimes, you might be in search of the opposite of the word tweak. You can use an antonym of tweak from this list from Power Thesaurus. Learning synonyms and antonyms is also a great way to grow your vocabulary!

  • abandon
  • acclaim
  • add to
  • add to the problem
  • admire
  • adore
  • aggravate
  • agitate
  • allow
  • applaud
  • approve
  • approve of
  • attach
  • attach to
  • augment
  • ballyhoo
  • break
  • damage
  • decline
  • decrease
  • depress
  • destroy
  • deteriorate
  • diminish
  • do damage
  • drop
  • exacerbate
  • harm
  • hinder
  • hurt
  • increase
  • inflame
  • intensify
  • laud
  • lessen
  • lower
  • magnify
  • mar
  • rave about
  • reduce
  • ruin
  • spoil
  • vandalize
  • weaken
  • worsen

Conclusion

The word tweak is a verb with several definitions. First, the word tweak means to pinch or pull. Tweak can also mean making a small adjustment to or being high on stimulant drugs. 

Tweak can also be used as a noun to refer to small changes or alterations or the act of pulling or twisting something. 

Sources:

Tweak synonyms – 1 356 Words and Phrases for Tweak | Power Thesaurus 

​​Tweak antonyms – 214 Opposites of Tweak | Power Thesaurus

Tweak Definition & Meaning | Dictionary.com 

Tweak | Nice Translator