1
as in screaming
to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment usually tiresomely
he's been kicking all week about not getting the promotion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in objecting
to present an opposing opinion or argument
fiscal conservatives have already started to kick about the proposed program, claiming it will increase the state's deficit substantially
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of kicking
Now, what are the parts that are kicking your ass?
—
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
From Doris Day singalongs to hip-hop routines and country line dances, the classes get people kicking, popping and spinning.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
Enter this square neck tank top from Suuksess (a true year-round staple in my wardrobe), Adidas track shorts that are still kicking after years of wear, and my Alo Trail sneakers.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 8 June 2026
An infamous poster promoting that campaign depicted white sheep kicking their black brethren out of the frame.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Cars pushed through the crowd, hitting at least one person as agitators continued banging, kicking and blocking government vehicles.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Where things get even weirder is in Seagal’s conception of his character as an ass-kicking Buddhist.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 June 2026
Shorter’s friend then allegedly began kicking Almendarez-Vigil and removed his backpack before fleeing the scene, the affidavit stated.
—Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
The group then surrounds the victim on the other side of the street and can be seen punching and kicking him.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
From Doris Day singalongs to hip-hop routines and country line dances, the classes get people kicking, popping and spinning.
—ABC News, 9 June 2026
Enter this square neck tank top from Suuksess (a true year-round staple in my wardrobe), Adidas track shorts that are still kicking after years of wear, and my Alo Trail sneakers.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 8 June 2026
An infamous poster promoting that campaign depicted white sheep kicking their black brethren out of the frame.
—Jessi Jezewska Stevens, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Cars pushed through the crowd, hitting at least one person as agitators continued banging, kicking and blocking government vehicles.
—Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 6 June 2026
Where things get even weirder is in Seagal’s conception of his character as an ass-kicking Buddhist.
—Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 5 June 2026
Shorter’s friend then allegedly began kicking Almendarez-Vigil and removed his backpack before fleeing the scene, the affidavit stated.
—Maveah Griffith, Charlotte Observer, 4 June 2026
The group then surrounds the victim on the other side of the street and can be seen punching and kicking him.
—James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking
Verb
-
As if each of us isn’t a walking embodiment of our moment, clueless and attuned at once, screaming about one thing and in total denial about another.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
10 June 2026
-
There were the arrests of tearful and screaming immigrants, captured on video and played on endless loops across social media.—
Moriah Balingit,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Riley wrote that his issue with Scorsese’s support of the technology wasn’t as much about objecting to the 83-year-old filmmaker using AI in his work, but rather about using his influence to push others into using it.—
Pat Saperstein,
Variety,
4 June 2026
-
In 2023, the Rutgers University Senate had voted no confidence in Holloway, objecting to several of his actions, including not renewing the contract of Nancy Cantor, the popular chancellor of the Newark campus, and threatening to file an injunction against striking Rutgers faculty.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
The amplifying of complaining subcontractors, always easy to find.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
-
But many Spotify users voiced displeasure at the change-up, with some complaining that the disco ball looked pixelated on a small phone screen and, generally, was visually displeasing.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
The town halls provided insight on topics including road projects, county assistance programs and protesting property appraisals.—
Rachel Royster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 June 2026
-
In the early 1970s, diverse groups protesting Coors consolidated in Northern California.—
H.M.A. Leow,
JSTOR Daily,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Well, certainly a lot of whining about technology.—
Inga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 June 2026
-
The driver is seen singing happily to himself, then glancing out his window with a slight look of concern as the sound of the jet’s whining engines begins on the recording.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The process left Carruthers bleeding and moaning on May 21, according to the witness, Maria DeLiberato, senior counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union's Capital Punishment Project.—
Amanda Lee Myers,
USA Today,
28 May 2026
-
The stuff with a load of people wearing wigs moaning about taxes just isn’t seen as very glamorous.—
Sean Woods,
Rolling Stone,
25 May 2026
Verb
-
An edgy confrontation The Rangers were still seething as Keenan attempted to address the team following a demoralizing 3-1 loss, with a few snapping back or muttering under their breath.—
Vincent Z. Mercogliano,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
On Tuesday, cameras caught Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing muttering something after looking back at the Giants’ Jung Hoo Lee, who was in discomfort after an awkward slide at home plate.—
Bill Shaikin,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
