LICKING Synonyms: 222 Similar and Opposite Words

licking 1 of 2

noun

ˈli-kiŋ

Definition of licking

as in beating

failure to win a contest our team took a licking last night, but we'll get them next time

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

licking

2 of 2

verb

present participle of lick

as in pounding

to strike repeatedly your father will lick you good if he hears you using swear words

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in defeating

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 licking

Noun

Becker advises watching for excessive licking, especially of the paws, drooling, skin irritation, or unusual lethargy. — Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026 March has a wide variety of loadouts, from sleek two-in-ones to rugged portables that'll take a licking and keep on ticking. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

Verb

Signs paws have already been burned include limping, refusing to walk, licking or chewing feet, darker or damaged pads and visible blisters or redness. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 July 2026 But the Carolinas have their own ways of making barbecue finger-licking. — Amethyst Ganaway, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for licking

Recent Examples of Synonyms for licking

Noun

For the last three decades, the division has investigated allegations of police misconduct, authority it was granted by Congress after the 1991 beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles Police Department officers.

— Ben Wieder, Los Angeles Times, 19 July 2026
When giant hailstones start falling, or howling winter winds threaten to tear solar panels from the roof, the unprotected modules can do nothing but take the beating.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 July 2026

Definition of beating

Verb

For much of the ’80s, Teresa Taylor (aka Teresa Nervosa) joined up as a second drummer, pounding tribal beats beside Coffey, and became a Gen-X icon after appearing in the 1990 film Slacker.

— Steve Appleford, SPIN, 20 July 2026
After pounding his drive down the final fairway, Fox hit his approach to just inside 12 feet and then dripped his birdie putt into the edge of the cup to win the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

— Dan Zaksheske, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026

Definition of pounding

Verb

Tsitsipas, who has been through injury turmoil and a cycle of hiring and firing his father, Apostolos, as his coach, took the Swiss Open title in Gstaad, defeating Belgium’s Raphaël Collignon 6-4, 6-7 (3), 6-3 to win his first title in over a year.

— James Hansen, New York Times, 20 July 2026
Spain reclaimed football's biggest prize on Sunday, defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in a tense World Cup final that delivered high drama both on and off the pitch.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 20 July 2026

Definition of defeating

Verb

General Daily Insight for July 26, 2026 A slower pace could reveal what pressure has been hiding.

— Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 26 July 2026
These protections are meant to catch a model that’s acting deceptively, hiding its true capabilities, or otherwise working against what its developers intended.

— Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 25 July 2026

Definition of hiding

Verb

The biggest event in the sporting calendar drew to a close at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey as Spain were crowned world champions for the second time, overcoming Argentina in one of the most dominant finals in recent memory.

— Mark Carey, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Emotional intelligence, particularly self-awareness, is crucial to overcoming it.

— Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of overcoming

Noun

Coming off a 4-0 loss to Orlando City on Wednesday to restart their MLS season after a two-month World Cup break, the Quakes dominated possession and outshot the Galaxy 19-9.

— Harold Gutmann, Mercury News, 26 July 2026
After Saturday’s 7-2 loss to the San Diego Padres, the Marlins tied a franchise record with 11 straight losses.

— Tyler M. Carmona, Miami Herald, 26 July 2026

Definition of loss

Verb

The attorney questioned whether a person would be able to smell alcohol at the same time that wind generated by 18-wheelers and other vehicles whipping by on the highway was blowing, as was occurring during the officer’s time with Hampton.

— Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026
Zeus and Poseidon are at it again—one hurling thunderbolts, the other whipping the sea into a frenzy.

— Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026

Definition of whipping

Browse Nearby Words

lickety-split

licking

lickings

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Style

“Licking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licking. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of licking

noun

verb

Example Sentences

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