1
as in complains
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 objects
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
1
as in thrills
a pleasurably intense stimulation of the feelings
I get a kick out of downhill skiing
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in joys
a source of great satisfaction
it was a kick for the parents to see their once-shy son star in a Broadway play
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in objections
a feeling or declaration of disapproval or dissent
nowadays there seem to be few words in the dictionary that do not raise a kick from one person or another
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in collisions
a forceful coming together of two things
I felt a kick in my hands as the jackhammer came roaring to life
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kicks
Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
In a display of tough love, Anne kicks her out, urging her to trust her motherly instincts and not doubt herself.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 May 2026
The Beloved‘s Javier Bardem is a demanding film director, and Gentle Monster‘s Lea Seydoux will be in the running for acting recognition once the awards season kicks into gear.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 May 2026
Everyone dies, and my death really kicks things off well.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
After graduation, perhaps computer science gets them underway at the start of their career, and then, once AI fully takes off, the philosophy side kicks into gear.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The season kicks-off on Friday, June 3, with two live shows.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
When Block appears visibly uncomfortable by the comment, Kyle laughs and kicks a rock down the mountain.
—Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
Before Kelsey can even unpack her blow-dryer, Rosie takes hold of her bag and kicks her out of the house — pushing her out the door and slamming it on her until a producer steps in to control what has quickly become a physical altercation.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 18 May 2026
Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
With spot kicks like those, a certain recent Champions League finalist would’ve surely benefited from having this penalty-taking machine on their side.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 10 June 2026
Leal won silver at the first Olympic women’s street skateboarding event in Tokyo as a 13-year-old in 2021, inspiring a new generation of athletes in soccer-mad Brazil to trade kicks for kickflips.
—Scott Allen, Time, 9 June 2026
Other common soccer penalties include tripping, kicking, holding or pulling jerseys, pushing or charging players, and dangerous plays like high kicks or kicking near another player's head.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Kyle Vaughn’s considerable physical presence generated some surprise gasps from the audience at the pronounced extension with his leg kicks.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
Mix separates from the designer with simple kicks and a summer bag.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Just be sure to snag the kicks that catch your eye ASAP—the following styles and markdowns won’t be available for much longer.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 June 2026
That’s not to say New Yorkers wouldn’t be excited at the prospect of sliding on a pair of kicks bearing their beloved star’s name.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 8 June 2026
Verb
From stunning volleys and bicycle kicks to long-range screamers, Ibrahimović was one of the most complete strikers of the ball.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 May 2026
In a display of tough love, Anne kicks her out, urging her to trust her motherly instincts and not doubt herself.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 28 May 2026
The Beloved‘s Javier Bardem is a demanding film director, and Gentle Monster‘s Lea Seydoux will be in the running for acting recognition once the awards season kicks into gear.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 23 May 2026
Everyone dies, and my death really kicks things off well.
—Lexi Carson, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026
After graduation, perhaps computer science gets them underway at the start of their career, and then, once AI fully takes off, the philosophy side kicks into gear.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
The season kicks-off on Friday, June 3, with two live shows.
—Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
When Block appears visibly uncomfortable by the comment, Kyle laughs and kicks a rock down the mountain.
—Lizzie Hyman, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
Before Kelsey can even unpack her blow-dryer, Rosie takes hold of her bag and kicks her out of the house — pushing her out the door and slamming it on her until a producer steps in to control what has quickly become a physical altercation.
—Tom Smyth, Vulture, 18 May 2026
Noun
During auditions, judges focus on dance technique, high kicks, splits, showmanship, personal appearance, energy, enthusiasm, poise, figure and personality, per the DCC's website.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
With spot kicks like those, a certain recent Champions League finalist would’ve surely benefited from having this penalty-taking machine on their side.
—Frank Landymore, Futurism, 10 June 2026
Leal won silver at the first Olympic women’s street skateboarding event in Tokyo as a 13-year-old in 2021, inspiring a new generation of athletes in soccer-mad Brazil to trade kicks for kickflips.
—Scott Allen, Time, 9 June 2026
Other common soccer penalties include tripping, kicking, holding or pulling jerseys, pushing or charging players, and dangerous plays like high kicks or kicking near another player's head.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 9 June 2026
Kyle Vaughn’s considerable physical presence generated some surprise gasps from the audience at the pronounced extension with his leg kicks.
—Christopher Smith, Oc Register, 9 June 2026
Mix separates from the designer with simple kicks and a summer bag.
—Christina Holevas, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Just be sure to snag the kicks that catch your eye ASAP—the following styles and markdowns won’t be available for much longer.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 8 June 2026
That’s not to say New Yorkers wouldn’t be excited at the prospect of sliding on a pair of kicks bearing their beloved star’s name.
—Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 8 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicks
Verb
-
Never says a word, never complains about it, right?—
Anderson Cooper,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
-
Anushka complains about the agreement that asks users to accept 97 pages of terms and conditions in 7-point font, but these guys don’t even see themselves as car manufacturers.—
Scott Tobias,
Vulture,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
General relativity suggests that objects with mass cause spacetime (the four-dimensional unification of space and time) to warp.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
1 June 2026
-
While not considered an extinction-level threat, objects this size are still regarded as potentially hazardous on a regional scale.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
For thrills, nearby attractions include a gondola, alpine coaster, summer luge, and swimming/sauna complex.—
Tribune News Service,
Baltimore Sun,
8 June 2026
-
Though she’s often criticized for her being provocative, one thing Madonna can’t be accused of is cutting corners in pursuit of superficial thrills.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
As for what makes the hideaway so magical, the actor offered a glimpse at the joys of mountain life in his WSJ profile.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
6 June 2026
-
Jesni Sam had eagerly awaited the everyday joys of building a life with her husband.—
Caroline Silva,
AJC.com,
6 June 2026
Noun
-
Referees did not blow the whistle for a foul on the play, despite forceful objections from the Knicks bench.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
-
So why have these objections remained so potent?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
Concurrently, internal particle collisions try to force the plasma back into a balanced temperature state.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
6 June 2026
-
Similar projects in states including Utah and Washington have significantly reduced wildlife-vehicle collisions and encouraged biodiversity.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
The eyelet design that covers the bodice and skirt of the garment screams summer, while the tie shoulders add extra visual interest.—
Izzy Baskette,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
Most of Lucy Boynton’s beauty references the 1960s, and this doll-like bob screams modern mod.—
Calin Van Paris,
InStyle,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
Protest Passion Project The Climb was first unveiled by Beta Cinema at the European Film Market in February 2022, with Delevingne (Carnival Row) attached as a daredevil climber who protests against oil drilling in the Arctic by ascending The Shard.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
3 June 2026
-
Investigators ask for patience after video sparks protests The police department provided the findings of the investigation to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for an independent review of any criminal violations, Fraser said.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kicks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicks. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.
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