as in stings
to charge (someone) too much for goods or services
since I had forgotten the sunscreen, I was forced to buy it from the concession stand at the beach—where they gouged me for it
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Recent Examples of gouges
John Seiler, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
In 2017, he was recalled after backing the $5 billion yearly gas tax that still gouges at the pump.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gouges
Verb
-
Of Iran’s many squandered possibilities, the waste of our soft power stings the most.—
Arash Azizi,
Time,
3 Feb. 2026
-
This stings less thanks to the healthy variety of all-timers currently in the field.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The rough fibers had tiny grooves and uneven pores on their surfaces.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Feb. 2026
-
Afterward, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush to remove grooves.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Near the pool, shallow stone hollows mark where Zibibbo grapes were once laid out to dry for Passito di Pantelleria, the island’s renowned sweet wine.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
8 Feb. 2026
-
In the hills, in the hollows, up the draws and the old dirt logging roads, hidden in the chaparral above the fog line, growing and selling weed became a way of life, woven into the community and its economy.—
Scott Eden,
Rolling Stone,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
There were also punctures on the outer table of the skull, injuries to the teeth and tongue, and a hemorrhage into the chest cavities, according to the filing.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Its extended durability reflects lessons learned from Curiosity, its predecessor, whose wheels accumulated an increasing number of dings and punctures after encountering terrain sharper and more rugged than anticipated.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
19 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Inspired by real stories, Eva Marcille portrays a wife who miraculously cheats death after her husband’s (Tyler Lepley) betrayal in Pushed Off a Plane and Survived airing on February 28.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Blashill wants the Blackhawks to be a fast-pressure team at both ends of the rink, one that attacks vertically but never cheats for offense.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Its lacing system moves away from traditional hole punches for all but its two upper eyestays, with the rest replaced by cord loops that allow for a more personalized fit.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
13 Feb. 2026
-
This modest but super-smart production punches way above its weight.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gouges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gouges. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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