sting 1 of 2

noun

Definition of stingnext
1
as in tingle
a sharp unpleasant sensation usually felt in some specific part of the body the sting of cold air against my face

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value the pawn shop operation turned out to be a sting by undercover police officers to catch the ring of burglars

Synonyms & Similar Words

sting

2 of 2

verb

ˈstiŋ How to pronounce sting (audio)
1
as in to gouge
to charge (someone) too much for goods or services a nightclub that's been stinging patrons for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to pluck
to rob by the use of trickery or threats swindlers who sting unwary tourists by posing as officials demanding money

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sting
Noun
Over the course of nearly two decades, the singer’s music has traced the full arc of romance — from the excitement of new love and the sting of heartbreak to reflections on lasting commitment. — Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026 The sting of the Australian box jellyfish has been described as being lashed with a whip dipped in burning acid, and is powerful enough to kill an adult in as little as two minutes! — New Atlas, 30 June 2026
Verb
Democrats are still stung by Rogan’s nearly three-hour Trump interview in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign. — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 These stinging insects are black with yellow or white bands and are bigger than bees and yellow jackets. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sting
  1. tingle
  2. scam
  3. gouge
  4. pluck
  5. ache
  6. fraud
  7. cheat
  8. squeeze
Noun
  • Fruit extracts clarify excess oil and buildup, while a cooling mint complex and menthol deliver a refreshing tingle, leaving your scalp feeling clean, balanced, and freshly reset.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
  • In the case of Putnam County, that tingle is a roar — our collective sense that the fraud there goes back decades.
    — Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
Definition of tingle
Noun
  • Three members of a criminal enterprise that stole financial information from hundreds of victims across North Texas have been sentenced a year after the scam was uncovered, according to the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office.
    — Mary Ella Hastings July 9, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026
  • The Connecticut Department of Children and Families has fallen victim to a phishing scam that may have led to confidential records being leaked.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 9 July 2026
Definition of scam
Verb
  • The agencies also encouraged states with price-gouging statutes to determine whether enforcement actions are warranted under those laws.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • Trump recently posted on his Truth Social account that big oil companies were not dropping gas prices fast enough, and that Americans were being gouged.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of gouge
Verb
  • Patina Osaka’s ground-floor restaurant, P72, focuses on seasonal produce sourced nearby and plucked daily from the hotel’s urban garden.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Eyebrows were being plucked into oblivion, bronzer was used in excess, and hair was parted deeply to one side.
    — Lauren Alberti, Allure, 6 July 2026
Definition of pluck
Noun
  • Symptoms can include fever, muscle aches, cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and confusion.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • About 20% of infected people will develop mild symptoms such as a fever, body aches and nausea.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Definition of ache
Noun
  • The New York City Department of Investigation is the city’s independent watchdog agency, which investigates fraud, corruption, misconduct, municipal malfeasance, city employees, contractors, and individuals who do business with the city.
    — Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
  • Created under the bipartisan Help America Vote Act to ensure fair, modern elections, the four-member commission now faces vacancies as the administration doubles down on its fraud-prevention agenda and appeals a court defeat.
    — Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
Definition of fraud
Verb
  • The American grandmaster shed some light on his mindset following Kramnik’s cheating accusations in a livestream prior to his death, according to the Associated Press.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Trump has also continued to claim Democrats are trying to rig or cheat in the upcoming election, remarks that have faced rebukes from members of his own party.
    — Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of cheat
Verb
  • The result is a new generation of patients planning trips around treatments rather than squeezing appointments into an existing vacation.
    — Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • With inflation squeezing their margins and rideshare platforms demanding a large share of their earnings, a driver’s split-second decision to accept a fare is a high-stakes calculation of business survival.
    — Christopher S. Tang, The Conversation, 8 July 2026
Definition of squeeze

Browse Nearby Words

stimulus
sting
stinger
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Cite this Entry

“Sting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sting. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of sting for Spanish Speakers

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