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
Relevance
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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
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
-
Clement described Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to St Mirren as the worst performance of his tenure and fan sentiment has soured in recent weeks.—
Jordan Campbell,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
-
New York’s season-worst 142-105 defeat at the hands of the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers was more than just a bad night.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
22 Feb. 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
-
This causes a permanent loss of motion and increases your risk of fractures.—
Sarah Klein,
SELF,
20 Feb. 2025
-
The safeguards are important, the lawmakers said, because identity theft or bankruptcy can mean a loss of a security clearance or the end of a service member’s career.—
Melissa Chan,
NBC News,
20 Feb. 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
-
The sun gleamed through the windows of Wise Guys Scissor Society barbershop in downtown Hartford as a barber brushed the trimmings from Eriberto DeLeon Jr.’s cape.—
Tabius McCoy,
Hartford Courant,
20 Feb. 2025
-
To help prepare for new technology, the city checked its surveillance system in December to see what cameras were blocked by trees, leading to over 300 trimmings, Gatewood said.—
Jake Sheridan,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Licking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licking. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share