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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of licking
PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2025
In some cases, constant licking that can't be interrupted may be a sign of canine OCD.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025
Maryal Miller Carter, USA Today, 27 Dec. 2025
Ramona refuses to introduce them to Noah, so Emily finds a work-around, which is tricking Chauncey the dog into licking her by using the meat from a cheeseburger slider.
—Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for licking
Noun
It's built according to MIL-STD 810H standards to take a licking.
—Verb
Refrain from licking, picking or biting your lips.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for licking
Noun
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School desegregation, voting rights and public-accommodation battles – especially across the South – had led to shootings and beatings of African Americans by white counterprotesters and police.—
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Non-league Macclesfield Town produced one of the FA Cup’s most startling soccer upsets on Saturday beating titleholders Crystal Palace 2–1 in a third‑round thriller.—
Verb
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Russia has been pounding Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with drones and missiles in recent weeks, a tactic used in previous winters.—
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But those massive events aren’t the only way for fans to experience the heart-pounding thrills and sense of community that only live sports can deliver.—
Verb
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This came on the heels of another fleeting feel-good moment for the Rangers (20-18-6), who opened the new year by defeating the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers in Friday’s Winter Classic.—
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Zinke faced close races during his second House tenure however, winning his seat in the 2022 midterms by around three points before defeating the same opponent during the 2024 presidential election by more than seven points.—
Noun
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In just a number of months, voters will head to the polls for midterms, the first nationwide test for Democrats following their across the board defeat in 2024, itself partly due to perceptions that the party was too far to the left.—
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Advertisement But vulnerability isn’t the same as defeat.—
Verb
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The couple — who are now one of the most watched of the season thanks to their double awards show appearances — were not shy about hiding their romance amidst the stars at the 2026 Golden Globes.—
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Laundry Machines Both your washing machine and dryer can be used to stow laundry, as well as other items that need hiding.—
Verb
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DiMarco’s participation became a highlight of the event, with the student asking thoughtful questions about overcoming imposter syndrome and handling rejection.—
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And that religion, like music, can carry the sound of struggle – but also the hope of one day overcoming the injustices and inequalities of everyday life.—
Noun
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But those guards fell crashing down on Wednesday night in a brutally honest assessment of his team following Boise State’s (9-6, 1-3 Mountain West) 75-58 home loss to Grand Canyon (9-5, 2-1) at ExtraMile Arena.—
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Despite the losses, Damon traveled to Texas and won the national title, dedicating the victory to his family and supporters.—
Verb
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The cold weather shouldn’t be a huge factor unless the wind starts whipping.—
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The wind was whipping throughout Kyle Field in College Station, Texas, that day, which had a massive impact on the kicking game.—
Cite this Entry
“Licking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licking. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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