as in smearing
to cover with a hardened layer
shoes caked with dried mud
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Recent Examples of caking
Dirt is everywhere, caking people’s Vans sneakers, and the day is a dull grey as clouds above threaten rain.
—
Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 30 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for caking
Verb
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This dedication centers Sophie and Benedict’s second meet-cute, when the two cross paths at a country house where Benedict is attending a party and where Sophie is now working, after being unable to find a position in London thanks to her stepmother smearing her reputation.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
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This will lead to smearing dust particles around instead of picking them up, which is where a wet cloth comes into play.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During the first few days, normal symptoms such as crusting and redness may happen.—
Daniel Fusch,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
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The ash seasoning crusting the fish is made from charred citrus rinds, garlic skins and other trim waste coming from the dinner’s preparation, according to Pecha.—
Camila Pedrosa,
Sacbee.com,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This practice of coating paper with wax dates back through the 19th century, as a way to keep moisture and odors out of different food items.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
9 Feb. 2026
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The sun comes out, coating the top layer of the icy snow with water, and suddenly, the track is a half-second faster.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As the salmon blackens in a skillet, the spices awaken, encrusting the fish in peppery piquant.—
The Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Caking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/caking. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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