1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
gave the ball a solid lick with the bat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in shred
a very small amount
the soup needs just a lick more of salt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in damn
the smallest amount or part imaginable
you haven't done a lick of work all day
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to hide
to strike repeatedly
your father will lick you good if he hears you using swear words
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to master
to achieve a victory over
he's determined to do everything he can to lick the cancer
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 lick
Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
The social media star picked up what appeared to be kangaroo feces on the grass and gave it a lick, much to Irwin's surprise.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
Spit Heathcliff spends a lot of time straight-up licking Cathy’s face in this movie.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lick
Noun
Buzzing melodies of alt-rock drift over midtown and in the places in between—licks, backbeats and inspirations are traded by musicians and producers bar for bar.
—Joe Sills, Forbes.com, 17 Jan. 2026
The social media star picked up what appeared to be kangaroo feces on the grass and gave it a lick, much to Irwin's surprise.
—Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
Though his injuries were severe, the sailors watched in wonder as the cat determinedly licked his wounds, then got back to work destroying the rats threatening the ship’s food stores.
—Anne Ewbank, Popular Science, 18 Feb. 2026
Spit Heathcliff spends a lot of time straight-up licking Cathy’s face in this movie.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 16 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lick
Noun
-
In a 6-3 decision on Friday, the court dealt a major blow to the president's economic agenda.—
Julia Cherner,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
-
The 6-3 ruling is a major blow to Trump's economic policy agenda.—
Kristin Wright,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Here’s a guy who dominates on the field every Sunday talking openly about love, poetry and the person who inspires him most, without a shred of self-consciousness.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
-
But the detective on his tail (Motsi Tekateka) never confronts him with a shred of evidence.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
My parents have no idea what’s happening because legacy media is not reporting on anything worth a damn.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
-
With Pres as the DJ, Gabe rips through damn-near all of Sortilège like a pro.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
However, Archaeology News continues that earlier reports also identified a wooden stool and a cattle hide that did not survive, in fact.—
Maria Mocerino,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Many shoppers assume the shine hides spoilage or adds chemicals.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The all-analog recording, pressed in flamenco-red 180-gram vinyl, was mastered and produced by Impex Records, whose LPs have achieved collector status among jazz connoisseurs.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
22 Feb. 2026
-
During the recent craft barbecue revival, cooks first mastered their meat-smoking methods then turned to the stuff served alongside.—
Robert F. Moss,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The two slowly approached each other and Diabate put his head down to butt up against Duren’s forehead, leading to Duren taking a slap and swipe at Diabate.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In this world, items are paid for by receiving slaps to the face.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Among the amenities at this all-inclusive resort are 13 pools, including a splash pool for kids; a kids club and teen space; daily activities at the main pool; and nightly entertainment.—
Beth Luberecki,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Reheat the pasta gently and stir in a splash of pasta water at a time until the sauce loosens and regains its creamy texture.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Moreover, Trump cares not a whit about bringing drug traffickers to justice.—
Peter Kornbluh,
Washington Post,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Miss Keaton…is not a whit like the flustered ingénue she was cast to play.—
Chris Morris,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lick. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
