tick

noun

Definition of ticknext
as in minute

Related Words

Relevance

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 tick The spotters stand at the end of each of the aisles of the theatre-like seating area, with their backs to the horses and their eyes scanning the crowd for the slightest tick of movement to signal a bid. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026 All have been given the tick of approval by AP, with the in-house team following a meticulous authentication process. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Oct. 2026 What makes their offenses tick doesn’t always show up in the box score. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 22 Oct. 2026 The more satisfying tick on the stat sheet would come five plays later, after returner Nikko Remigio fumbled a punt back to Los Angeles. — Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tick
  1. minute
  2. second
  3. shake
  4. moment
  5. split second
  6. beat
  7. instant
  8. heartbeat
Noun
  • In laboratory tests, a one-minute electrical stimulation using a standard 9-volt battery killed more than 80% of bacterial cells within three hours, according to the researchers.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
  • For an easier first taste of the mountain, enjoy the 35-minute walk to Baoguo Temple, then continue about a half mile along the stone trail to Fuhu Temple.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of minute
Noun
  • Segura's first goal of the season came with assists from defender Ryan Porteous — the second of his career — and Leo Walta — his first in his fifth league appearance.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Bears kicker Yousef Obeid had four field goals in the game, including a 37-yarder that tied it at 20 with 32 seconds left.
    — The Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of second
Noun
  • The Worcestershire sauce is optional, but just a few shakes from the bottle bring instant savory depth to the filling.
    — Kelsey Jane Youngman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Arby’s has been serving roast-beef sandwiches, curly fries and shakes since its inception in 1964.
    — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of shake
Noun
  • Dailyacc Bandana Scarf Bold, patterned scarves are having a major moment this season—they’re one of the easiest ways to add a pop of color, pattern, and personality to an outfit without a lot of effort or investment.
    — Kate Donovan, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2026
  • During my stay, high tide aligned with early morning and sunset, allowing for serene quiet moments out on the cove with nobody else around.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of moment
Noun
  • Valkyria hesitated for a split second and Bayley took advantage.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Scientists have recorded what happens inside a crystal in the split second before a quantum bit forms.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of split second
Noun
  • The time for the familiar beat, the wish-fulfillment moment, soon arrives.
    — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Inside, the in-house 69385 caliber beats at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and offers a 46-hour power reserve.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of beat
Noun
  • But tragically, the role associated with being Treyton’s mom changed in an instant for Amber last December.
    — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Hundreds of hours spent preparing for the season seemingly go to waste in an instant.
    — Mike McGraw, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of instant
Noun
  • During stress, hormones like adrenaline narrow your blood vessels narrow and speed up your heartbeat.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Nov. 2026
  • The brothers shared the recording with Italian cardiologist Achille Dogliotti, whose examination reportedly led him to conclude that the sounds were consistent with strained breathing and an elevated human heartbeat.
    — Micah Hanks, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of heartbeat

Browse Nearby Words

tic
tick
ticked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tick. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on tick

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about tick

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gauntlet

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Nov. 13

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Great Big List of Beautiful and Useless Words, Vol. 5

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
woman sitting on floor holding book in front of her face on pink background
Famous Novels, Last Lines Quiz Needless to say, spoiler alert.
See All