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
1
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
2
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
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 sting
Andrew Stanton
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
For a Dolphins offense that returned much of its core, including Tagovailoa, tailback De’Von Achane and the dynamic wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, that performance has to sting.
—Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
With multiple Emmy nominations and a powerhouse cast — including Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci and more — this psychological thriller has plenty of sting.
—Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sting
Verb
Justice Sonia Sotomayor delivered a stinging rebuke of the Supreme Court's decision to clear the way to allow sweeping immigration operations in Los Angeles.
—Andrew Stanton
hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
For a Dolphins offense that returned much of its core, including Tagovailoa, tailback De’Von Achane and the dynamic wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, that performance has to sting.
—Miami Herald, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
In the video, McIlroy reflected on his own amateur days and the sting of losing the Walker Cup in 2007.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
With multiple Emmy nominations and a powerhouse cast — including Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci and more — this psychological thriller has plenty of sting.
—Hannah Kerns, PEOPLE, 6 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sting
Verb
-
The best way to remove algae, dirt, mildew, and other debris from your deck is with a pressure washer, but be careful not to gouge the wood by getting too close.—
Kamron Sanders,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Last year, Burns attempted to gouge his wife's eye out during an altercation.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Yet there’s a relaxed comfort to dinner in the airy concrete-floored loft, starting with the Taiwanese sausage that arrives as an early bite, wedged into homemade brioche like a tiny hot dog and plucked up between two fingers.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The Orioles plucked him in the Rule 5 draft after a tragic plane crash claimed their top catching prospect.—
Jon Paul Hoornstra,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 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,
14 Sep. 2025
-
And this scam landscape was already surging.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The lightweight formula glides on with a refreshing tingle, then rinses away to reveal skin that feels softer, smoother, and more luminous.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
12 Sep. 2025
-
The hint of acidity and tingle of mild green chiles is just what this dish needs to cut through the richness of the melty cheese.—
Jasmine Smith,
Southern Living,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Student use of artificial intelligence has become so prevalent, high school and college educators say, that to assign writing outside of the classroom is like asking students to cheat.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
-
There are things worse than cheating.—
Essence,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
My sister looked up at me and ever so gently, with barely perceptible pressure, squeezed my hand.—
Gordon G. Chang,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
If real estate values turn soft in a region, the decline could squeeze a crucial revenue stream for cities, counties, regional agencies and school districts.—
George Avalos,
Mercury News,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The Nepalese government, citing concerns over fake accounts, hate speech, disinformation and fraud, said the measures were to ensure accountability and make operators responsible for content on their platforms.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
-
While the classic grounds for denaturalization include concealment of criminal histories or material lies in the naturalization process, there are growing indications that serious tax fraud may be viewed as evidence that naturalization was procured illegally or fraudulently.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Because sometimes, the slow erosion of a relationship isn’t caused by infidelity at all, but by the quiet ache of a partner who gives just enough to get by.—
Essence,
Essence,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Flu symptoms can include aches, cough, fatigue, fever, headache, sore throat and a stuffy or runny nose, according to the CDC.—
Sara Schilling,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sting. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share