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
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2
as in splash
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
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2
as in to master
to achieve a victory over
he's determined to do everything he can to lick the cancer
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lick
Jen Juneau, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The tacky-meter reaches new heights when Brit presents the Housewives (of course no one else got gift bags) some of her shapewear in sad cardboard boxes without a lick of tissue paper or even a measly bow.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 26 May 2025
Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Meanwhile, back in the city, Forrest didn’t take long to lick his proverbial wounds.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lick
Noun
Zegler's video appeared to be taken from home, as her dog was even spotted near the end of the footage, coming in to snuggle up to its owner and give her face a few licks.
—Jen Juneau, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
The tacky-meter reaches new heights when Brit presents the Housewives (of course no one else got gift bags) some of her shapewear in sad cardboard boxes without a lick of tissue paper or even a measly bow.
—Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 26 May 2025
Verb
The viral post opens with a quiet, intimate moment: the Labrador sits beside her puppy, gently licking her head.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 June 2025
Meanwhile, back in the city, Forrest didn’t take long to lick his proverbial wounds.
—Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 8 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lick
Noun
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Pang’s departure is a blow to Apple’s AI ambitions and comes amid internal scrutiny of its AI strategy, which has so far failed to match the capabilities fielded by rival tech companies, leaving Apple dependent on third-party AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
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The news was not only a blow to Lilly but also a surprise to millions using Zepbound on Caremark plans, who are now questioning how to move forward.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
7 July 2025
Noun
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Enjoy playscapes, a swimming pool, splash pads for the kids, sports fields Dillon Stadium and historic buildings.—
Kaitlyn Keegan,
Hartford Courant,
5 July 2025
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There’s also a splash pad and playground for the kids.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
5 July 2025
Noun
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And as far as luxurious treats go, well, the afternoon high tea there is not to be missed, and the theme changing monthly offers the strongest argument yet to treat oneself ad infinitum without giving a tinker’s damn about the current economy.—
Timothy DePeugh,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2025
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Since the death of Tom Petty meant an end to his primary job in 2017, Tench has still been visible in the background as a member of the house band in practically any tribute show that’s worth a damn.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The green laser shows you where dust might be hiding on your floors, and the LCD screen will tell you about the particle sizes down to the micron.—
Nena Farrell,
Wired News,
8 July 2025
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Eight airports in different states appeared to have dropped the requirement, in place since 2006 after a British man in 2001 attempted to destroy an airliner with explosives hidden in a shoe.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Rather than trying to master multiple AI platforms, teachers can start with one tool and thoroughly explore its capabilities.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
8 July 2025
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After a spa treatment or a dip in the ocean, guests can learn how to string fragrant plumeria leis or master the art of hula in open-air pavilions.—
John Wogan,
Travel + Leisure,
8 July 2025
Noun
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Those embarrassing losses with ownership sitting in the expensive seats were a big-time slap in the face to the decision makers.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
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The number of girl slaps exchanged between the governor and Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez over the state budget impasse.—
Pat Beall,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2025
Noun
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Athletes and coaches are loath to admit even a shred of positive in any defeat, let alone in the immediate aftermath, but if ever the moral victory existed, can’t Inter Miami claim some of that even after a 4-0 defeat?—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
29 June 2025
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Still, in a shred of good news, other figures showed that businesses are still investing, despite the persistent uncertainty over Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs and the potential impact of his massive tax and spending bill currently being reviewed by the US Senate.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
26 June 2025
Noun
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The most memorable offerings didn’t care a whit about product-testing strategies.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2025
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Vie comes on the heels of Doja’s 2023 album Scarlet, whit hit No. 4 on the Billboard 200.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lick. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.
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