as in stings
to charge (someone) too much for goods or services
since I had forgotten the sunscreen, I was forced to buy it from the concession stand at the beach—where they gouged me for it
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Recent Examples of gouges
John Seiler, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
In 2017, he was recalled after backing the $5 billion yearly gas tax that still gouges at the pump.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gouges
Verb
-
Nothing stings quite like being steps from getting your credit card out to make a glorious purchase, and finding that your promo code isn’t working.—
Hannah Chubb,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
-
If a memory stings during work, step away briefly, write a few lines, then return with cleaner focus for the task in front of you.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
Laminate counters are especially susceptible to these stains, thanks to the grooves of everyday wear.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
12 June 2026
-
All were filled with Chenier’s murmuring accordion, the rustle of a washboard player and slinky grooves.—
Kevin McKeough,
Chicago Tribune,
7 June 2026
Verb
-
An electronic safety system monitors each cell during operations, avoiding both under- and overcharges.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
22 Aug. 2017
Noun
-
The backrest and seat are generously padded with dense foam, with no noticeable hollows.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
9 June 2026
-
Also, check for hollows in trunks that may mean the interior portion is rotting.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
Though Lesnar rarely cheats to win, Femi isn’t going to lose clean.—
Blake Oestriecher,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
Five average players committed to protecting the middle of the ice are more effective than four great ones and one who cheats for offence.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
This design allows for enhanced thermal stability and resistance to physical damage such as punctures.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
10 June 2026
-
The minimally invasive technique uses small needle punctures instead of larger surgical incisions, which can help reduce pain and speed up recovery for patients.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Most baseball fights produce a little shoving, occasional hugging, some dancing and pulled powderpuff punches.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
13 June 2026
-
Three days before the first punches are set to be thrown at a White House-UFC event, the South Lawn is unrecognizable.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gouges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gouges. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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