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
Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Subtle cues like stiff posture, yawning, or lip licking can also signal distress.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Teeny’s flames quickly start licking her rope.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for licking
Noun
If the licking is excessive, a new behavior or accompanied by signs of illness, there could be a medical cause for this behavior.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Subtle cues like stiff posture, yawning, or lip licking can also signal distress.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Verb
While licking you is a way for a dog to bond and promotes affection, stopping it will not compromise your relationship.
—Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
Teeny’s flames quickly start licking her rope.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 18 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for licking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for licking
Noun
-
The demo is full of a lot of welcome, lighthearted touches, like the ability to surf on giant slabs of rock or shake the controller for a very ape-like beating of Donkey Kong's chest.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
3 Apr. 2025
-
Todd takes an emotional beating throughout the album.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
3 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The crowd was so excited that the plexiglass behind us was pounding.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Dec. 2024
-
Prepare for fast, heart-pounding action and brutal competition in this multiplayer game.—
Dana Feldman,
Forbes,
28 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
The 30-year-old, who has played 29 times for Bournemouth in the Premier League this season, was withdrawn on 58 minutes during his side’s 2-1 defeat at Ipswich Town on April 2.—
Leon Imber,
New York Times,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The loss ends Bayern Munich’s run of 22 home games without a defeat in the Champions League.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Rushdie himself was attacked on stage at an event in upstate New York in 2022 after coming out of hiding.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
27 Dec. 2024
-
Rushdie himself was attacked on stage at an event in upstate New York in 2022 after coming out of hiding.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
27 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
As if the Israeli people’s losses from October 7th are not grievous enough, their fears for the hostages not haunting enough, and the miseries of the Gazans not shaming enough, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is bringing his country back to war.—
Bernard Avishai,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2025
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The then-vice president’s loss has propelled Beshear to at least a mid-level position in 2028 chatter.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Elle was also seen whipping her hands in a circle to the music during the awards ceremony.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
6 Jan. 2025
-
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
-
The future of content creation lies not in choosing between human or artificial intelligence, but in mastering their combination.—
Ian Shepherd,
Forbes,
29 Dec. 2024
-
The key to mastering the look, according to A-list manicurist Tinu Bello?—
Ranyechi Udemezue,
Vogue,
28 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Instead, color drenching would best fit the sign—think monochromatic hues on the walls, ceiling, trimmings, and even furniture.—
Isabella Milano,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Apr. 2025
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More stringent vegetation management, tree trimming, the use of Public Safety Power Shutoffs — That’s preemptively turning off the power when the risks are high.—
Sammy Roth,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Licking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licking. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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