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
1
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
Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Stellan Skarsgård’s Supporting Actor win for Sentimental Value, that Cannes-premiering Norwegian film’s only victory on eight nominations, also should help get over the sting of SAG’s Actor Awards‘ complete shutout of every actor in a foreign language performance this week.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
But the Chiefs not being in the playoffs still stings.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sting
Noun
Carrick also took the sting out of the inevitable Roy Keane question.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Stellan Skarsgård’s Supporting Actor win for Sentimental Value, that Cannes-premiering Norwegian film’s only victory on eight nominations, also should help get over the sting of SAG’s Actor Awards‘ complete shutout of every actor in a foreign language performance this week.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
Smith’s squad finished fourth in the Eastern Conference last season with 59 points before falling to New York City FC in the opening round, a defeat that still stings months later.
—Colin Cerniglia, Charlotte Observer, 12 Jan. 2026
But the Chiefs not being in the playoffs still stings.
—Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for sting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sting
Noun
-
This overnight treatment has ceramides to support your lips’ natural moisture barrier and a subtle peppermint flavor for a fresh tingle.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Classically a martini-like mix of gin, vodka and dry vermouth, Hawks pumps up the botanical notes in the gin by infusing it with toasted fennel and olive oil, imparting a subtle sweetness and a gentle tingle that lingers on the back palate.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
21 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Nearly four years after an East Bay woman was victimized in a six-figure cryptocurrency investment scam, police said much of the money has been recovered.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Those dollars have been won through cases the district attorney has joined against major corporations, including price-gouging lawsuits against Walmart and Lowe’s, an environmental lawsuit against Tesla and a case alleging deceptive business practices by HelloFresh, a meal-kit subscription company.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 Jan. 2026
-
After getting gouged repeatedly by bootleg play-action passes, screens and space plays over their first two series, the Pats struck back with a short-yardage stop and forced fumble on the next two series.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Caitlin Looby Last August, Lauren Isbell dove around Mott Island Dock at Isle Royale National Park, plucking invasive zebra mussels from the lakebed – sometimes with her fingers, other times with a credit-card sized piece of plastic attached to a lanyard on her wrist.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
20 Jan. 2026
-
He was plucked out of the basic-cable mines by Survivor’s creator, Mark Burnett, a British TV producer with a feel for brutal social drama.—
David Canfield,
Vanity Fair,
20 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Studies show that 50 percent of the global population is estimated to suffer from a Vitamin D insufficiency, and this time of year, the effects are even more obvious thanks to a lack of sun exposure—mood swings and fatigue set in, and general aches and pains can become worse.—
Emma Greene,
InStyle,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Their days are filled with doctor’s visits and pill bottles, aches and pains.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The president and his allies accused Cook of mortgage fraud.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
-
At the same briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt came out swinging at Minnesota Democrats in defense of the ICE agent while touting the Medicaid fraud investigation, which dates back to the Biden administration.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Hoosiers are probably cheating.—
Mac Engel
January 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Contessa’s Corner Sports leagues, state gambling regulators and tribal leaders have all raised concerns that prediction market trades on sports don’t have the same level of guardrails as sportsbooks to protect against cheating by athletes, referees, coaches and other insiders.—
Alex Sherman,Contessa Brewer,
CNBC,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Panthers squeezed a few end-of-career seasons out of guys such as Dino Ciccarelli and Igor Larionov.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Instead, 2026 is about building both stylish and sensible outfits that can take you from the airport to the streets with maximum versatility without ever squeezing into tight, form-fitting fabric.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sting. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
