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
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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
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Recent Examples of kicking
There was always more going on underneath the hood, kicking the way a baby duck’s legs kick through a summer pond.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
The technical was charged to the Wolfpack’s Darrion Williams for kicking Donaldson in a loose-ball scrum.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
First, stop lying to their constituents and kicking them out of meetings.
—Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
The facts are that in the past 48 hours, big bands like Phish have been kicking the tires of seeking new representation.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
As Sheridan emptied his pockets, Ronald Heath began kicking the man and stabbing him with a hunting knife, prosecutors said.
—CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Sheridan then began trying to turn over his valuables but Ronald Heath then began kicking him, stabbed him in the neck and then tried to slit his throat, though the knife was too dull, court records say.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
The back side of the towel depicted a bunny kicking a football, which is trapped inside a block of ice.
—Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
None other than Greene, celebrity multitasker — drinking Coke in the ads and kicking butt in the game, driving the Steelers to their (and his) fourth SB victory.
—Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
The technical was charged to the Wolfpack’s Darrion Williams for kicking Donaldson in a loose-ball scrum.
—Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 15 Feb. 2026
First, stop lying to their constituents and kicking them out of meetings.
—Charlotte Observer, 14 Feb. 2026
The facts are that in the past 48 hours, big bands like Phish have been kicking the tires of seeking new representation.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 13 Feb. 2026
As Sheridan emptied his pockets, Ronald Heath began kicking the man and stabbing him with a hunting knife, prosecutors said.
—CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
Sheridan then began trying to turn over his valuables but Ronald Heath then began kicking him, stabbed him in the neck and then tried to slit his throat, though the knife was too dull, court records say.
—Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 9 Feb. 2026
The back side of the towel depicted a bunny kicking a football, which is trapped inside a block of ice.
—Jordy Fee-Platt, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
None other than Greene, celebrity multitasker — drinking Coke in the ads and kicking butt in the game, driving the Steelers to their (and his) fourth SB victory.
—Debby Wolfinsohn, Entertainment Weekly, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicking
Verb
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Over the past few years, LaBeouf has managed to keep his screaming to a minimal and (mostly) onscreen habit.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
17 Feb. 2026
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Running, screaming, and after sliding on my knees.—
Patrick Snell,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But the players stopped short of voting for Meyer, with at least three player reps objecting, according to a person informed about the call.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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Vásquez has had a strong voice in objecting to federal immigration enforcement in the Chicago area.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cover your ears, look away, or grab a hot dog — after all, not every artist is for everyone, and complaining won’t change that.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
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Many suits came from roofing and paving companies, architects, lumber suppliers and similar businesses complaining that Ferrigno’s company never paid them for materials and labor at his various housing construction sites in Avon and Simsbury.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While some of those charged allegedly violated other parts of the law, such as assaulting officers or resisting arrest, many others arrested were accused only of impeding agents while protesting their operations, attorneys said.—
Isabelle Chapman,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
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On April 27, Danish Foreign Minister Erik Scavenius, claiming to act on instructions from the Danish king, issued a formal note to Hull protesting Kauffmann’s actions.—
Timothy W. Ryback,
The Atlantic,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But students who are spending their time protesting, whining about the grading system and seeking easy classes don’t seem to fit that mold.—
Mitch Zimmer,
Washington Post,
3 Feb. 2026
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Some had noisy bearings, which could sound like a whining noise.—
John Paul,
The Providence Journal,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While Slot was moaning about having to play two away matches in four days (and about missing a couple of key players), Emery, also without important figures such as Boubacar Kamara, was overseeing his Villa side playing the same tough schedule and win both games without conceding a goal.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
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While lying on the pavement, he could be heard moaning as an officer shouted at him not to move.—
Jose R. Gonzalez,
AZCentral.com,
13 Dec. 2025
Verb
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But the bad news is that outside of a mutual prisoner exchange, both sides walked away muttering the same old positions.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Feb. 2026
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The volume has gone up again since Ruben Amorim’s recent departure, muttering darkly about Gary Neville’s outside influence in particular.—
Daniel Taylor,
New York Times,
17 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicking. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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