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
-
Losing Sproat stings as a player the Mets drafted twice and developed into a big-league starter, but the right-hander out of the University of Florida is still unproven.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
22 Jan. 2026
-
January 20 – February 18 When pride stings, compassion clears the air.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Austin Psych Fest will return to South Austin on May 8-10, unveiling a lineup that stretches from psychedelic legacy acts to contemporary soul, global grooves and local stalwarts, all set for a three-day run at The Far Out Lounge.—
Ana Gutierrez,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Robinson and Derrick Brown played well throughout the year, while Wharton and Bobby Brown just couldn’t find steady grooves, despite some flashes of brilliance.—
Mike Kaye
January 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Swipe it onto the hollows of the cheeks, across the forehead, and across the bridge of the nose for that just-got-back-from-vacation glow.—
Ariana Yaptangco,
Glamour,
18 Nov. 2025
-
The ideal of wuwei (无为, effortless action) is commonly illustrated by the famous story of Cook Ding, who learned to follow the hollows and openings of an animal’s body and effortlessly wielded his knife to carve an ox.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
18 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Its extended durability reflects lessons learned from Curiosity, its predecessor, whose wheels accumulated an increasing number of dings and punctures after encountering terrain sharper and more rugged than anticipated.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
19 Dec. 2025
-
Video from the scene shows water shooting out from at least six punctures in the fire hose.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
5 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Blashill wants the Blackhawks to be a fast-pressure team at both ends of the rink, one that attacks vertically but never cheats for offense.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Fans chanted along for 10 count punches on Randy Orton, but Trick Williams once again got involved, making the most out of his status as the only heel in the ring.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
25 Jan. 2026
-
The Timberwolves began to sling 3-pointers and slam dunks, but the Bulls took those punches on the chin, holding off the onslaught by forcing second-chance points and drawing fouls.—
Julia Poe,
Chicago Tribune,
23 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gouges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gouges. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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