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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of licking
Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Not only do the natural ingredients promote healthier skin and fur, but the calming side effects will reduce excessive licking or scratching caused by anxiety.
—Lydia Kariuki, The Mercury News, 3 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
Subtle cues like stiff posture, yawning, or lip licking can also signal distress.
—Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
Not only do the natural ingredients promote healthier skin and fur, but the calming side effects will reduce excessive licking or scratching caused by anxiety.
—Lydia Kariuki, The Mercury News, 3 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
-
Just before the beating begins, the camera leaves the boy’s perspective and moves behind him; viewers see the back of his head and shoulders.—
Ellen Wexler,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Feb. 2025
-
Former President Biden took a public beating from Trump and his supporters after it was revealed Biden's son and brother profited off his name and actions.—
Axios,
Axios,
19 Feb. 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
-
Russian cartoons cast him as Napoleon Bonaparte riding towards defeat in Russia in 1812.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
6 Mar. 2025
-
Arsenal has now won five Champions League games in a row, a run stretching back to November’s 1-0 defeat against Inter Milan.—
George Ramsay,
CNN,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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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
-
If the club compounds the loss of Miller’s offensive value by also losing Boeser, whether that happens this week or this summer, then the need for Canucks management to pull a rabbit out of a hat in grafting high-end attacking juice into the lineup will become even more urgent.—
Thomas Drance,
The Athletic,
5 Mar. 2025
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The digital nomad movement allows people to work from anywhere, and if an organization needs in-house staff, every loss to a sunny locale or a better work-life balance culture hurts.—
Leon Gordon,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 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
-
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
-
This may explain recent trimming by its biggest shareholder, Warren Buffett.—
GuruFocus,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
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Curly-haired breeds, like poodles, don't shed much, but need frequent trimming.—
David Faris,
Newsweek,
27 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Licking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licking. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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