as in beating
failure to win a contest
our team took a licking last night, but we'll get them next time
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in pounding
to strike repeatedly
your father will lick you good if he hears you using swear words
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in defeating
to achieve a victory over
he's determined to do everything he can to lick the cancer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of licking
Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
By listening to these cues, including tail wagging and lip licking, humans can deepen their relationships with their canine companions.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Erotica assumes shared association, touching, stroking, licking, looking, playing, exposing.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for licking
Noun
Her dog had multiple litters before and knew licking helped.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Apr. 2025
By listening to these cues, including tail wagging and lip licking, humans can deepen their relationships with their canine companions.
—Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
Despite her best efforts, 4-year-old Dewey eventually succeeded in wriggling his way over to the sleeping man, enthusiastically licking him awake.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025
Erotica assumes shared association, touching, stroking, licking, looking, playing, exposing.
—Lisa Wong MacAbasco, Vogue, 17 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for licking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for licking
Noun
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The Republic first tied the Goons to the fatal group beating of Preston Lord, 16.—
Elena Santa Cruz,
AZCentral.com,
8 July 2025
-
Shooting after shooting, a dark tally of beatings and murder.—
Will Potter
July 7,
Literary Hub,
7 July 2025
Verb
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But the unhappy ending is especially head-pounding for Saxon Ratliff (Patrick Schwarzenegger).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
24 Mar. 2025
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Queen finished with a team-best 17 points, but Maryland frequently settled for outside jumpers instead of pounding the ball inside to Queen and Julian Reese.—
Lindsay Schnell,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The reigning world champions had inflicted a 7-1 defeat on Portugal in April.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 July 2025
-
Calgary is coming off a defeat, however, having most recently fallen 20-12 to the previously 0-2 Ottawa Redblacks.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 July 2025
Verb
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With their teeth bared in a frozen rictus grin, this couple appears to be hiding a darkness which we are left only to guess at.—
Naomi Fry,
The New Yorker,
15 Mar. 2025
-
My safety came down to something as simple as hiding my name.—
Ismat Ara,
TIME,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
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While State Farm contends that out-of-state losses do not directly affect Illinois premiums, at least one industry analyst said there is a potential connection.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
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The effects could lead to closures, job losses, and weakening of the domestic textile and apparel industry.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Elle was also seen whipping her hands in a circle to the music during the awards ceremony.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
6 Jan. 2025
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This instant camera captures little moments and big occasions on film, which feels a little more special than whipping out an iPhone.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
2 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The unit uses tools that were once the preserve of the world’s top mastering houses and is inspired by the artistry of mastering engineers.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
25 Mar. 2025
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From entry-level careers to the C-suite, mastering soft skills opens up leadership opportunities.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes,
24 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Since taking office again in January, Trump has accessorized the executive mansion with splashes of gold trimming.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
24 June 2025
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The company says tree trimming and storm response, infrastructure investments, inflation and rising costs are driving these new rates.—
Karl Schneider,
IndyStar,
24 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Licking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licking. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
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