1
as in to hide
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 to lick
to strike repeatedly
a time when children were routinely tanned for misbehavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tan
The industry has also faced growing competition from alternatives like spray tans and tanning lotions.
—
Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
At the center of it all, John Summit — tanned, smiling, his shirt unbuttoned to a chest level that suggested a regular workout routine — threw up heart hands while manning the cockpit of CDJs before him.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025
More than 90% of global leather production uses chrome tanning methods that can harm both workers and the environment.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
By 2024, the number of U.S. tanning salon establishments dwindled to fewer than 21,000, per IBISWorld.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
At the center of it all, John Summit — tanned, smiling, his shirt unbuttoned to a chest level that suggested a regular workout routine — threw up heart hands while manning the cockpit of CDJs before him.
—Katie Bain, Billboard, 6 Mar. 2025
More than 90% of global leather production uses chrome tanning methods that can harm both workers and the environment.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025
By 2024, the number of U.S. tanning salon establishments dwindled to fewer than 21,000, per IBISWorld.
—Bailey Schulz, USA TODAY, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tan
Verb
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Unfortunately, the cause of the odor is often hidden.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
27 Apr. 2025
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Liv is forced to break up with her human fiancé, Major (Robert Buckley) to avoid infecting him, and becomes estranged from her best friend and roommate Peyton (Aly Michalka), hiding her new zombie nature from both.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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She even, no joke, at one point, spits on the stage and licks it back up.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2025
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When the family's roast dinner was over, the OP (original poster) set the plates and some pots and pans on the floor for her dog to lick.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Underneath her coat, Witherspoon wore an ankle-length black skirt and leather round-toe boots.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
28 Jan. 2025
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Compare with the Met’s full-size cast, from 1985, and these miniatures cleave the collective anguish into distinct emotions — one figure seems mid-dance, one bored, another ecstatic — in a range of patinas, from dark chocolate to leather.—
Walker Mimms,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Russia pounded Kyiv in an hourslong barrage Thursday, killing at least 12 people and injuring 87 in its deadliest assault on the Ukrainian capital since July.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Apr. 2025
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For those interested in exploring opportunities in the legal cannabis space, pounding the pavement can be a heady process.—
Iris Dorbian,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Verb
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After the animal snapped and whipped its tail, Dragich wrangled the gator onto the shoulder of the highway.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
1 May 2025
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Instead, as Gauff belied her recent struggles on her forehand side by whipping the ball up and down into the court and out of her opponent’s easy reach time and again, Świątek looked adrift.—
Matthew Futterman,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
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Continue reading … 'NUMEROUS QUESTIONS' – China lashes out, levels accusation against the US over COVID-19 origins.—
,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2025
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Foot at head-height, his hamstring clearly fixed, the Dutchman lashed it over his own shoulder into the net.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
1 May 2025
Verb
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That was a reference, of course, to Elon Musk, whose DOGE actions slashing longstanding social services led her to donate her Tesla for charity, in a move that stirred up his supporters.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
2 May 2025
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The budget also calls for slashing $6 billion for EV chargers.—
Matthew Glasser,
ABC News,
2 May 2025
Verb
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Eastern Hills goalkeeper Sincere Williams was pelted for much of the game, stopping 20 of the 24 shots on goal.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Mar. 2025
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Or navigate tricky social and strategic dynamics at Tribal Council while being pelted by driving rain?—
EW Staff Published,
EW.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tan. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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