1
as in to lash
to strike repeatedly with something long and thin or flexible
Grandpa told us that when he was a kid, if he misbehaved at all, his father would tan his backside with a belt
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
a time when children were routinely tanned for misbehavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tan
While pale skin once signaled status, white women eventually gained the freedom to tan—and to return to that paleness when the trend passed.
—
Nana Regueiro, Vogue, 2 July 2025
This was a tall order, since leather that’s traditionally tanned is very much designed to resist biodegradation, as millenia-old shoes that have been unearthed by archaeologists can attest.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
When as natural as possible is your ultimate goal, Jergens self tanning lotion is your bestie.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 June 2025
Genuine leather has a luxe appeal, feels soft to the touch, and can be biodegradable if it’s tanned without harmful chemicals.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
Nana Regueiro, Vogue, 2 July 2025
This was a tall order, since leather that’s traditionally tanned is very much designed to resist biodegradation, as millenia-old shoes that have been unearthed by archaeologists can attest.
—Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 2 July 2025
When as natural as possible is your ultimate goal, Jergens self tanning lotion is your bestie.
—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 18 June 2025
Genuine leather has a luxe appeal, feels soft to the touch, and can be biodegradable if it’s tanned without harmful chemicals.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tan
Verb
-
President Trump on Friday lashed out at the official who oversees government employment reports after its regular monthly report showed the job market softening significantly this summer in a possible warning sign of an impending recession.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
1 Aug. 2025
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The president also lashed out on social media against Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, urging the Senate Judiciary Committee chair to ditch a longstanding confirmation practice to expedite the process.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In it, the dog licked its butt, then licked Paul’s lips.—
Simon Bland,
IndieWire,
6 Aug. 2025
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If pets or livestock have contact with the water, clean the animal with clean water right away and keep them from licking their body, the department advises.—
Shannon Tyler,
Idaho Statesman,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The girl was allegedly burned with hot water, beaten and whipped, according to the outlets, citing probable cause documents from local police.—
Sean Neumann,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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And that’s even before his lighthouse keeper character whips out a delightfully goofy Scottish accent or a series of minimal but masterful props.—
Jared Kaufman,
Twin Cities,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Extraterrestrial Easter Eggs and Fun Facts – Uncover the references and characters from some of your favorite Pixar films hidden throughout Elio, along with other fun facts.—
John Archer,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
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The garden is located in a large area in the middle of the hotel's main gardens, but still hidden.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Heeled, bubbled, square-toed, strapped or leathered out with metal accents like Longoria’s, the shape is proving its range.—
Maggie Clancy,
Footwear News,
6 Aug. 2025
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Lucy Bronze’s icon status was reaffirmed throughout England’s 2025 European Championship-winning campaign — from strapping up her own leg in extra time to her absolutely leathering home a penalty in the quarter-final shootout win against Sweden.—
Ali Rampling,
New York Times,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
Get aligned and intentional before pounding the keyboard.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
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Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not said when troops would enter Gaza City, his country’s forces have continued to pound the area, killing dozens in recent days.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The episode feinted toward genuine rapprochement before yanking the rug out, leaving the Gang pelted with an industrial-grade indoor blizzard and then happily hucking rocks at passing trains, as was Mac and Charlie's childhood tradition.—
Dennis Perkins,
EW.com,
10 July 2025
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His Panthers took the suggestion to heart, won the game, 2-0, and tied this NHL second round series, 2-2. Florida and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky had allowed 13 goals the first three games of the series while the Cats had pelted 11 goals into the Maple Leafs’ net.—
Greg Cote,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2025
Verb
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Federal grants for another pathway into teaching, Americorps’ Teach for America program, were also recently slashed by the Trump administration.—
Rory Linnane,
jsonline.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Even at a later point, a constituent said the president unilaterally slashed medical research at the National Institutes of Health and Congress did nothing.—
Obed Manuel,
NPR,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tan. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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