1
as in hides
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
Grandpa told us that when he was a kid, if he misbehaved at all, his father would tan his backside with a belt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in licks
to strike repeatedly
a time when children were routinely tanned for misbehavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tans
Verb
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In fact, Ross typically hides from no one, usually strolling through the locker room to make his exit.—
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026
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In season 5, episode 2, Karen hides in the tub with her daughter, Holly, while holding her breath to hide from a demogorgon—this scene truly depicts a mother’s unconditional love.—
Verb
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Weir picked up his first guitar licks from David Nelson and future Jefferson Airplane member Jorma Kaukonen.—
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Everybody licks the big pink flesh wall.—
Verb
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Or whips around his defender in a bold pirouette.—
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Marty whips off his sport coat and throws it in the crowd.—
Verb
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Burrell pounds his way down to the four-yard line.—
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The man simply pounds the zone.—
Verb
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According to Augustinus Bader, apply to brows and lashes morning and night.—
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After her mani-pedi was complete, and the beautician had given her a coffee per usual, the pair were going to move on to brows and lashes when the woman asked to use the bathroom.—
Verb
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At some point, Alice slashes the tires on Rachel’s car.—
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There, Constance slashes her face with a knife.—
Verb
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Think Judd Apatow flicks with Steve Carell and Seth Rogen, or sitcoms starring Charlie Sheen.—
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Like a true professional, the actor quickly flicks the photo and extinguishes the blaze without ever breaking character — despite internally freaking out — to nail the perfect shot.—
Verb
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According to the Hindu, local eyewitnesses have said that the elephant attacks mostly at night while people are sleeping, and residents have been using firecrackers and patrol teams to keep the animal away from heavily populated areas.—
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Russia attacks Ukraine with new Oreshnik ballistic missile Russia attacked Ukraine overnight with a new hypersonic ballistic missile, an advanced weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.—
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Cite this Entry
“Tans.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tans. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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