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
Oscar Hartzog, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
Mostly depleted, the electrons then reach photosystem I, where another burst of sunshine kicks the flow back into high gear.
—Quanta Magazine, 10 June 2026
As summer kicks into gear, there's lots on the docket for Riddle.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
The play closed in February, putting it at a disadvantage with Tony voters whose theatergoing typically kicks into high gear in the spring.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
On the field, each player kicks their power—called a Tama—into high gear.
—Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 June 2026
As temperatures rise and summer kicks into full gear, now's the time to stock up on some cool, refreshing frozen treats.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 June 2026
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
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
This element not only delivers plush cushioning but also retains energy for a certain kind of springiness that kicks fatigue to the curb.
—Oscar Hartzog, Footwear News, 10 June 2026
Mostly depleted, the electrons then reach photosystem I, where another burst of sunshine kicks the flow back into high gear.
—Quanta Magazine, 10 June 2026
As summer kicks into gear, there's lots on the docket for Riddle.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026
The play closed in February, putting it at a disadvantage with Tony voters whose theatergoing typically kicks into high gear in the spring.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
On the field, each player kicks their power—called a Tama—into high gear.
—Allison McClain Merrill, Parents, 8 June 2026
As temperatures rise and summer kicks into full gear, now's the time to stock up on some cool, refreshing frozen treats.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 3 June 2026
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
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
-
Keeping circularity at the center, the exhibition was also created in partnership with resale site Le Bon Coin, so that objects such as a clawfoot bathtub used for the installation will be resold.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
12 June 2026
-
For years, the top theory was that water came to our planet via comets — objects made of frozen matter that orbit the sun, often decorated with sparkling tails.—
Quanta Magazine,
Quanta Magazine,
12 June 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
-
Reporting assignments can often lead to unexpected joys and lessons.—
Ava Berger,
NPR,
13 June 2026
-
His adoption rides are helping open other minds to the joys of pet adoption, too.—
Jen Reeder,
Forbes.com,
12 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
-
The current number of near-collisions is tough to pin down, as FAA data on drone-aircraft encounters is limited and difficult to verify.—
Katie Nadworny,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
-
The overcrossing was designed to provide animals with a safer route across the highway while also reducing collisions involving motorists.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Nothing screams summer like a big, boisterous, campy musical.—
Sheldon Pearce,
New Yorker,
12 June 2026
-
Mariska Hargitay screams with excitement when the New York Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals Game 4 in New York City on June 10.—
Brendan Le,
PEOPLE,
11 June 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 15 Jun. 2026.
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