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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of 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
At Delaware's Lewes Beach, Beach Patrol Captain Strohm Edwards has seen more jellyfish this year than any other and stings have tripled.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
Why Reactions Vary Not everyone reacts to insect stings in the same way.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Velvet ants are known for their painful stings and their solitary lives, living outside of social systems.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
The risk of multiple stings can lead to an allergic reaction, or in rare cases, anaphylactic shock for some people.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
The Markel case was convoluted, had tons of backstory, and there was hours of archival audio from police wiretaps and stings.
—Eric Benson, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2025
In some cases, bites can trigger allergic reactions, such as sneezing or trouble breathing — especially in people who are allergic to bee or wasp stings.
—Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
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
That familiarity stings, and keeps concern lingering.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
While Mean Girls is technically a comedy, its depiction of girl-on-girl cattiness stings incredibly true.
—Michelle Kung, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025
The smaller wasp quickly stings the spider, injecting its powerful venom that does not kill but permanently paralyzes it.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Noun
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
At Delaware's Lewes Beach, Beach Patrol Captain Strohm Edwards has seen more jellyfish this year than any other and stings have tripled.
—N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2025
Why Reactions Vary Not everyone reacts to insect stings in the same way.
—Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Velvet ants are known for their painful stings and their solitary lives, living outside of social systems.
—James Folta, Literary Hub, 21 Aug. 2025
The risk of multiple stings can lead to an allergic reaction, or in rare cases, anaphylactic shock for some people.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2025
The Markel case was convoluted, had tons of backstory, and there was hours of archival audio from police wiretaps and stings.
—Eric Benson, Rolling Stone, 18 Aug. 2025
In some cases, bites can trigger allergic reactions, such as sneezing or trouble breathing — especially in people who are allergic to bee or wasp stings.
—Sacbee.com, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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
That familiarity stings, and keeps concern lingering.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
While Mean Girls is technically a comedy, its depiction of girl-on-girl cattiness stings incredibly true.
—Michelle Kung, EW.com, 18 Aug. 2025
The smaller wasp quickly stings the spider, injecting its powerful venom that does not kill but permanently paralyzes it.
—Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stings
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
-
The same week a deepfake Tim Cook scammed more than 200,000 people into viewing a malicious iPhone 17 launch stream, the FBI warns that scams targeting Americans are now out of control, highlighting deepfakes.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The polarising billionaire had spent only a few hours in prison upon his return from 15 years of self-exile in August 2023 before he was hospitalised after complaining of heart trouble and chest pains, prompting widespread scepticism and public outrage.—
Panarat Thepgumpanat,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
-
And the Zoned Lumbar Support offers focused support for your lower back, ensuring proper spinal alignment and reducing pressure on your lumbar region, helping to alleviate aches and pains.—
Sherrie Nachman,
Forbes.com,
7 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
-
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
-
The motion from this system dynamically stretches and squeezes the space around these objects, sending gravitational waves across the universe.—
Chad Hanna,
The Conversation,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their knee aches subsided on the very first day of wearing the Lone Peak 7 sneakers.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
14 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
Noun
-
After all, who wants to feel the pangs of self-doubt, anxiety, or chronic stress?—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Poor people know the intimate, badgering pangs of hunger, but in Ireland, the memory of the 1845-1848 Famine—the Great Hunger, when one million died from starvation and disease, and another million emigrated—still aches.—
Philip Metres
August 27,
Literary Hub,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
In the clip shared to @sirbrucee, the large dog named Bruce towers over the tub, which is filled with water as his owner soaks inside.—
Lucy Notarantonio,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
-
This antioxidant ingredient contains beta-glucan and soaks into the skin to smooth fine lines.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
22 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Stings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stings. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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