licks 1 of 2

noun

plural of lick
1
as in blows
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 splashes
a very small amount the soup needs just a lick more of salt

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in damns
the smallest amount or part imaginable you haven't done a lick of work all day

Synonyms & Similar Words

licks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of lick
1
as in pounds
to strike repeatedly your father will lick you good if he hears you using swear words

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in masters
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

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 licks
Noun
Turay’s glassy guitar licks have a Metheny-ish tint to them, while Bemis opts to ride quick, slinky rhythms rather than abusing his crash cymbal. — Sam Goldner, Pitchfork, 23 July 2026 The championship match turned into a free-for-all with everyone trying to get their licks in before the official woke out of his slumber. — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026 Zachary Stevenson’s performance replicates the nerdy-yet-hip Texan through impressive guitar licks and superb vocals that are equally comfortable with sweet ballads and on-the-edge rockabilly songs. — Philip Potempa, Chicago Tribune, 11 June 2026 Elk, deer, and buffalo had migrated to and from mineral licks throughout North America for millennia. — Literary Hub, 10 June 2026 The footage, shared to social media, features Hagen's Shaggy picking up Scooby and getting a few licks on his face. — Brenton Blanchet, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026 Albert Collins Known as The Master Of The Telecaster, Albert Collins was both blues legend and wild-eyed showman, picking out licks on his 1966 Custom Tele, usually in an open tuning, with a capo on the neck. — New Atlas, 30 May 2026 A lot of freedom going on between the guitars, a lotta little licks intermingle with the big guitar licks that the song is all about. — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 22 May 2026 Eventually music theory discussion turned to actual licks. — Chris Willman, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Food stands also debuted that year, with ribs sizzling along with the blues licks. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 9 June 2026 At one point in a dinner scene, Shields' Erika licks Joey's fingers. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 6 June 2026 A lot of freedom going on between the guitars, a lotta little licks intermingle with the big guitar licks that the song is all about. — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 22 May 2026 At one point A’zion licks the digitally de-aged Mick Jagger’s face. — Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026 While Deborah licks her wounds from bombing very, very hard, the Frank interview plays. — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 1 May 2026 After the drill, Ruin rolls onto his back, then licks a reporter's nose. — Megan Sauer tasia Jensen, CNBC, 14 Jan. 2026 Weir picked up his first guitar licks from David Nelson and future Jefferson Airplane member Jorma Kaukonen. — Richard Gehr, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2026 Posted to the account @maisythemarshmallow on September 19, the video shows the dog, named Maisy, lying calmly as the cat snuggles up and licks her face. — Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for licks
  1. blows
  2. splashes
  3. hoots
  4. pounds
  5. masters
  6. swipes
  7. touches
  8. lashes
Noun
  • After the dustups, the offense went from taking blows from the defense to delivering some of its own.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
  • During the less than a minute-long elevator ride, the duo trading blows, according to the video.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of blows
Noun
  • Designed to feel more like island residential living, all accommodations include a kitchen, in-unit washer and dryer, and private outdoor space set against a palette of deep earth tones and splashes of aqua blue.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • From Ancient Greek Sandals to Christopher Esber, these foam footbeds and jelly straps can handle sandy shores and poolside splashes, while being some of the easiest shoes to pack up.
    — Rosie Jarman, Vogue, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of splashes
Noun
  • With a few hoots and hollers, and even a couple clucks, the group took off on their ascent to the Betty Bear Hut.
    — Tiney Ricciardi, Denver Post, 30 July 2026
  • Their hoots and hollers drowned Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s explanation of how a title defense fell short.
    — Joel Lorenzi, New York Times, 31 May 2026
Definition of hoots
Verb
  • Back from a hamstring injury, Teoscar Hernández rejoins a relentless Dodgers offense that pounds 17 hits and three homers in a 9-4 win over the Athletics.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Teams go bonkers when the player pounds their school name on the bracket.
    — John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 June 2026
Definition of pounds
Verb
  • The warrior who masters these qualities can recognize openings others miss and act without hesitation.
    — Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
  • Finally, Kim masters the steps and takes to the stage with confidence, as her family cheers her on!
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 May 2026
Definition of masters
Noun
  • The Los Angeles metropolitan area and other big California population centers are below the national average in office attendance, according to Kastle Systems, which tracks badge swipes.
    — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
  • Using gestures and swipes on a traditional slab-style phone always felt cramped and imprecise when trying to pull off quick maneuvers.
    — Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026
Definition of swipes
Noun
  • Though guests will love the home’s open-concept layout, gourmet kitchen, and modern touches, the great outdoors are the main draw.
    — Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Overlooking the city and the Baltic Sea, the Presidential Suite includes touches like chandeliers and a private sauna.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of touches
Verb
  • Ukrainian officials have warned residents to guard against further strikes as Russia lashes out.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 2 July 2026
  • Continue reading … SEISMIC SUPPORT — AOC lashes out at Trump for 'betrayal' of voters after key SCOTUS immigration ruling.
    — , FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
Definition of lashes

Browse Nearby Words

lickings
licks
lickspittle
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Cite this Entry

“Licks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/licks. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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