as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
the mob boss's thugs really worked him over
Synonyms & Similar 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 work over
In this 1990 film, wealthy businessman Edward (Richard Gere) has risen to success by prioritizing work over play—and over partners.
—
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Both players progressed through rehab and on-court work over the past several days and are now expected to be available.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
Even former President Barack Obama has conceded that the path to success will require you to sometimes prioritize work over life.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
And their hard work over the years has shown, man, it’s shown.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for work over
Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Feb. 2026
Both players progressed through rehab and on-court work over the past several days and are now expected to be available.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2026
Even former President Barack Obama has conceded that the path to success will require you to sometimes prioritize work over life.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 31 Jan. 2026
And their hard work over the years has shown, man, it’s shown.
—David Delgado, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for work over
Recent Examples of Synonyms for work over
Verb
-
The dog ignored him, and licked the boy’s face.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Mar. 2026
-
At Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures, the oldest carving factory in America, a team of former archaeologists and butchers creates ephemeral art designed to be licked, touched, and eventually, lost.—
Blair Braverman,
Outside,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Over the past year, assaults against ICE personnel have risen 8,000%, according to the DHS, and federal police have opted to hide their faces and identities while working in public.—
Anna Giaritelli,
The Washington Examiner,
8 Mar. 2026
-
An East Price Hill man is accused of hiding in wait before fatally shooting a woman at an Avondale apartment building, according to Cincinnati police.—
Quinlan Bentley,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Glass removed violins from the orchestra to achieve a dark, primordial orchestral sound along with pounding percussion.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
In the past 24 hours, Israel conducted more strikes against Hezbollah in Beirut and continues to pound Tehran.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And yet, Trump has also managed to avoid complex questions about those issues — the most pressing before his administration — and despite Democrats and some of his own supporters lashing out over them.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Noem and her chief adviser Corey Lewandowski -- who is reportedly also departing DHS -- both had a knack for lashing out, yelling and berating staff that crossed them, according to sources.—
Luke Barr,
ABC News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
However, that advantage didn’t last long because Jalen Suggs drilled a 3-pointer five seconds later.—
Mike Curtis,
Dallas Morning News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Opposition leaders like former Prime Ministers Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett, adjusting to the public mood, are doing Netanyahu’s international outreach for him.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In seeing their six-game winning streak halted just before hitting the friendly skies for a four-game road trip that tips off in Phoenix on Sunday, the Hornets (32-32) were victimized by Miami in the fourth quarter.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch in the fifth to push the Americans’ lead to 4-1.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the fourth inning of the Giants’ 13-12 loss to the Brewers on Wednesday afternoon, Milwaukee’s Garrett Stallings tried to punch out Bader with a 1-2 slider.—
Justice delos Santos,
Mercury News,
26 Feb. 2026
-
The 24-year-old Sasaki threw a smooth 16 pitches, punching out the right-handed hitting Zavala, and inducing a pair of groundballs to shortstop from the lefty Kim.—
Jack Vita,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Necas added his seventh power-play goal of the season 2 1/2 minutes later, beating his Czech Olympic teammate with a high shot.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
-
In the last ten years, Berkshire shares have gained 250%, also beating the S & P 500.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Work over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20over. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
