1
as in scams
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
Relevance
2
as in pains
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
1
as in gouges
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 plucks
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
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Recent Examples of stings
Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Trujillo further noted that such stings closely resemble tactics used in the past decade by Port Authority police, who settled a class action lawsuit over similar arrests in 2022, promising to end plainclothes bathroom patrols and step up sensitivity training.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 24 Sep. 2025
About 20 million Americans have food allergies, and 225 people die every year from anaphylaxis after severe reactions to food, insect stings or bites, medications or other substances.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Bites can cause regional discomfort and redness, similar to bee stings.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
For researchers, the dismantling of the birthplace of climate modeling stings.
—Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
That’s where the rollback on compensation rules stings.
—AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025
Over time, though, the lack of advancement stings.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
In this world, every heartbreak stings like a million acupuncture needles.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025
Abby Monteil, Them., 3 Oct. 2025
The right to due process is enshrined in both the federal and Massachusetts Constitutions, so any accusation otherwise stings.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
Courtesy Heather Straughter Even 14 years later, the memory of it being asked still stings.
—Heather Straughter, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The first mozzie of the evening stings my arm.
—Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
But this kind of comment often stings.
—Time, 26 Aug. 2025
Losing stings more than winning pleases.
—Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
The memory of that second defeat against Mount Carmel still stings.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
But even as the pain of the Green Bay loss still stings as it’s mentioned, Jerry doesn’t seem keen on stepping away from the action anytime soon.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
The Barkov injury stings, but Finland will be ready for Milan.
—Pierre Lebrun, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Trujillo further noted that such stings closely resemble tactics used in the past decade by Port Authority police, who settled a class action lawsuit over similar arrests in 2022, promising to end plainclothes bathroom patrols and step up sensitivity training.
—Samantha Riedel, Them., 24 Sep. 2025
About 20 million Americans have food allergies, and 225 people die every year from anaphylaxis after severe reactions to food, insect stings or bites, medications or other substances.
—David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2025
Bites can cause regional discomfort and redness, similar to bee stings.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 19 Sep. 2025
For researchers, the dismantling of the birthplace of climate modeling stings.
—Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
That’s where the rollback on compensation rules stings.
—AFAR Media, 15 Sep. 2025
Over time, though, the lack of advancement stings.
—Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
In this world, every heartbreak stings like a million acupuncture needles.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
Still, losing out on more seasons of Zoë Kravitz playing a lovably bisexual mess navigating New York City particularly stings.
—Abby Monteil, Them., 3 Oct. 2025
The right to due process is enshrined in both the federal and Massachusetts Constitutions, so any accusation otherwise stings.
—Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 28 Sep. 2025
Courtesy Heather Straughter Even 14 years later, the memory of it being asked still stings.
—Heather Straughter, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
The first mozzie of the evening stings my arm.
—Literary Hub, 4 Sep. 2025
But this kind of comment often stings.
—Time, 26 Aug. 2025
Losing stings more than winning pleases.
—Ted Ladd, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
The memory of that second defeat against Mount Carmel still stings.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2025
But even as the pain of the Green Bay loss still stings as it’s mentioned, Jerry doesn’t seem keen on stepping away from the action anytime soon.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stings
Noun
-
The act requires virtual currency kiosk operators to register with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, provide reports detailing all kiosk locations, and provide full refunds to new customers who are victims of scams at kiosks.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Oct. 2025
-
This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For many, the virus results in flu-like symptoms, such as a fever with headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, per the CDC.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
-
In April, 44-year-old Marie Ange Blaise, a Haitian, died while being held at GEO’s Pompano Beach facility after complaining of chest pains.—
Shirsho Dasgupta,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In 2017, he was recalled after backing the $5 billion yearly gas tax that still gouges at the pump.—
John Seiler,
Oc Register,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
There may be even greater reasons to put an ad that plucks the heartstrings in front of a broader crowd.—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This liner then rapidly squeezes a magnetized target, creating the intense heat and pressure needed for fusion to occur, the same process that powers the sun.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Keeping tires properly inflated not only extends their life but also squeezes more miles out of every charge—a win for the wallet and the planet.—
Melanie Marshall,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Listeriosis is commonly associated with fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion and gastrointestinal symptoms, per the FSIS.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
28 Sep. 2025
-
The mental load weighing on him disappeared when his lingering aches did as well.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
28 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Jackson hustles to his seat in the audience, dead center, behind the main cameras as the chat begins.—
Jem Aswad,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
-
The costume department hustles to reattach a limping sole as the star breathes through the heat.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Sharp cracks of gunfire pierced the morning air, loud, jarring pangs that echoed off the concrete.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Its high-fiber content combined with it only having 40 to 45 calories per fruit means kiwis can also help with healthy weight management by curbing hunger pangs without adding many calories to your diet.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stings. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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