Thesaurus results for TAN

tan

verb

ˈtan

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

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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 If carefully tanned, well made, and properly cared for, a real fur hat or coat should last for decades. —

Skye Goode, Outdoor Life, 29 Jan. 2026 This is a gradual self-tanning lotion that helps reduce the appearance of cellulite with ingredients such as collagen, elastin and caffeine from green tea. —

Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026 Senators captain Brady Tkachuk — still tanned after returning from summer break — addressed the media to discuss the season ahead and eventually offered his two cents on changing NHL fashion. —

Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026 That hide is shipped overseas, usually to Asia, to be tanned into leather. —

Luke Fountain, CNBC, 25 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tan

Recent Examples of Synonyms for tan

Verb

One side of the brush features short, dense bristles that deposit rich black color and build volume, while the longer bristles on the other side help guide lashes upward.

— Lily Wohlner, Allure, 28 Mar. 2026
Toward the end of the final episode of Love Story, Constance Zimmer’s Ann Messina Freeman lashes out at Caroline Kennedy over her daughters’ deaths.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Mar. 2026