1
as in scams
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
the pawn shop operation turned out to be a sting by undercover police officers to catch the ring of burglars
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in pains
a sharp unpleasant sensation usually felt in some specific part of the body
the sting of cold air against my face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in gouges
to charge (someone) too much for goods or services
a nightclub that's been stinging patrons for years
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in plucks
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
swindlers who sting unwary tourists by posing as officials demanding money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of stings
Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
As much as that stings for Chiefs fans, the more pressing concern was Mahomes’ health.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 15 Dec. 2025
Soothe Mosquito Bites And Bee Stings A baking soda paste can help soothe irritation from bug bites and stings.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025
The second episode may be pure fan service for longtime fans, full of Easter eggs and music stings from the original show, but there’s still more than enough for fresh eyes to enjoy — and no doubt, some exciting surprises in store for those in the know.
—Kambole Campbell, Vulture, 9 Dec. 2025
Starting in 2021, the agency placed new controls on how DEA funds can be used in money laundering stings, and warned agents they can now be fired for a first offense of misconduct if serious enough, a departure from prior administrations.
—Fortune, 6 Dec. 2025
The way — getting thrown around up front — is what stings.
—Noah White, Miami Herald, 3 Dec. 2025
Portuguese man o' wars are notorious for their stings, which can leave whip-like, red welts on the skin and normally last two to three days after the initial shock, PBC Parks & Rec said.
—Hunter Geisel, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025
A lot of stings, more than 100, over the whole body.
—Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2025
Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
But for Hovland, the lingering frustration of missing Sunday singles and watching Harris English sit out for no fault of his own still stings.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025
Still, losing out on more seasons of Zoë Kravitz playing a lovably bisexual mess navigating New York City particularly stings.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 3 Oct. 2025
The right to due process is enshrined in both the federal and Massachusetts Constitutions, so any accusation otherwise stings.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
The first mozzie of the evening stings my arm.
—Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
But this kind of comment often stings.
—Time, 26 Aug. 2025
Losing stings more than winning pleases.
—Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
The memory of that second defeat against Mount Carmel still stings.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
Bee stings are common in summer, but knowing proper first aid can help reduce pain, swelling, and the risk of further irritation.
—Verb
Even though the defeat stings, all the Hurricanes’ goals are still there for the taking.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for stings
Noun
-
Trailer Park Boys is a faux documentary about three petty criminals running scams from their Halifax trailer park and streams on Netflix.—
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Online scams thrive when people stay silent, but sharing stories like Joe's helps others stay alert.—
Noun
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In fact, Williams took great pains to establish that his primary objective is building the Terps (7-7, 0-3 Big Ten), not tearing down a 21-year-old prospect, the Bears or the sport’s governing body.—
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Those in their fifties and beyond require the same amount of sleep as younger adults—and may actually benefit from sleeping more to offset nightly wake-ups from aches and pains, medication side effects, or dealing with the need to urinate more frequently in the middle of the night.—
Verb
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In 2017, he was recalled after backing the $5 billion yearly gas tax that still gouges at the pump.—
Verb
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Suddenly, Jeff Parker plucks a sighing six-note guitar run, dropping his shoulders into a solo section that carries the tune to its swooning conclusion.—
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As Natalie walks away from Shayne, possibly for good, and as Venus and some entity named Gabby lunge for each other, Katie Maloney Schwartz Maloney plucks out her earbuds, pulls her sunglasses off her cunty little bob, closes her copy of The Shards, and packs up her bag.—
Noun
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Researchers suggested that future studies should include people who actually experience tingles to better understand how ASMR might help with mental health and relaxation.—
Verb
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As the moon follows an elliptical path, Saturn’s gravity stretches and squeezes it.—
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View gallery - 12 images This recently completed tiny house squeezes a lot of living space into a compact footprint using clever design.—
Noun
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Flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhea.—
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Flu symptoms in adults and children come on quick, with symptoms lasting from a few days to two weeks, with fatigue and chills to start, followed by fever, body aches, cough, headache, sore throat, congestion, and runny or stuffy nose, according to the Cleveland Clinic.—
Verb
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Outerlands stars Dillon as thirtysomething Cass, who hustles jobs as a server, nanny and party drug dealer to make rent on their tiny San Francisco apartment.—
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While everyone else hustles about, the sloth knows that in slowness there is safety and success.—
Cite this Entry
“Stings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stings. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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