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
Relevance
2
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
a time when children were routinely tanned for misbehavior
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 tan
According to the house, the new version in washed and vegetable-tanned leather boasts lighter hardware, an adjustable shoulder strap and a single-zip opening.
—
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2025
The resulting leather sheets are tanned using natural vegetable processes.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Sep. 2025
Red Antler processed the meat for him, the hide is being tanned, and the skull mounted.
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2025
Use self-tanners instead of tanning outside or using a tanning bed.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2025
The resulting leather sheets are tanned using natural vegetable processes.
—Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 10 Sep. 2025
Red Antler processed the meat for him, the hide is being tanned, and the skull mounted.
—Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2025
Use self-tanners instead of tanning outside or using a tanning bed.
—Alex Vance, Parents, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tan
Verb
-
On social media and in public statements, several Republican figures lashed out at the proposal.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Vargas floated groups of migrants across the informal border crossing between Guatemala and Mexico on a makeshift raft made from wooden boards lashed to fat inner tubes.—
Daniel Gonzalez,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The sketch concluded with the librarian licking Moynihan's face with a forked tongue and then unbuttoning her blouse — causing all of the boys' heads to explode.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
-
The first is Christopher Walken as Gabriel, a mean-spirited angel who sniffs and licks crime scenes and inspects children’s teeth for reasons that sort of make sense within the movie.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Two weeks later, in the next home Premier League game, Neto was the chance provider again, whipping another fine ball from the left as Chelsea were being held 0-0 by Arsenal midway through the first half (the game would end 1-1).—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Next, in another bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks.—
Kathryn Gregory,
Louisville Courier Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But most of the time, hiding stuff from them doesn't work.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Oscar’s grouchy shell hides a strangely tender soul, which is classic Scorpio.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Laser Module – Add engraving and cutting capabilities for materials from wood and acrylic to leather.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Mirrors have a patina, coffee tables are leathered and trunk-like.—
Elise Taylor,
Vogue,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Walpole got on the board first, scoring three seconds into the second quarter when Jack English pounded the ball into the end zone on third-and-goal from the one.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Without its dynamic starting quarterback, the Cougars were outpaced by visiting Inglewood, which pounded the rock in a 40-16 victory on Friday at Saddleback College.—
Zach Cavanagh,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The difference now versus in past years isn’t just in the scale but the sophistication of threats pelted at companies and executives, said Matt Dumpert, a managing director who leads Kroll’s enterprise security risk practice.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
-
First Amendment groups have accused federal authorities of carrying out excessive tactics, including pelting protesters and the media with tear gas and pepper balls.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Major airlines have announced further cancellations to hundreds of flights scheduled through the weekend after more than 1,000 were slashed on Friday.—
Emma Tucker,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Fiserv’s crash came after the compan y slashed its full-year guidance and announced several changes to its executive leadership team.—
Pia Singh,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tan. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share