as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
the mob boss's thugs really worked him over
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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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
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Though his injuries were severe, the sailors watched in wonder as the cat determinedly licked his wounds, then got back to work destroying the rats threatening the ship’s food stores.—
Anne Ewbank,
Popular Science,
18 Feb. 2026
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Spit Heathcliff spends a lot of time straight-up licking Cathy’s face in this movie.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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A day after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, as he's now known, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, the pride Sky Roberts holds for his sister is difficult to hide.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
21 Feb. 2026
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He was arrested after a resident spotted him hiding in a nearby laundry room at the apartment complex.—
Katie Wiseman,
IndyStar,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Gabriel Basso headlines the pulse-pounding series.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Feb. 2026
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The journey winds through sweeping turns before plunging into a dramatic 910-degree double helix that spirals into a mine shaft, delivering both heart-pounding excitement and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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All testers dug the cavernous main compartment, which features stretchy crisscrossing straps that helped lash clothes down, keeping contents organized on the road.—
Drew Zieff,
Outside,
17 Feb. 2026
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Clinton, instead of delivering the usual liberal-candidate-seeks-Black-votes hominy, lashed out at her words.—
Johanna Neuman,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Nor did Liu attempt a quadruple toe loop as did the Russian Adeliia Petrosian.—
Bora Erden,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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Through a stellar debut season, freshman Jazzy Davidson has done everything for USC that was asked of her.—
Ryan Kartje,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Elsewhere, stories of economic gloom – from galloping inflation to restaurant closures and the knock-on impact of severe tax increases – describe the many ways in which the prolonged war in Ukraine is now hitting Russians hard in the pocket at home.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
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Finally, Kylie Minogue bags another top 40 hit thanks to the release of Tension Tour/Live 2025 (Mushroom Music) on CD and vinyl.—
Lars Brandle,
Billboard,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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The horn section sounds deep and crisp, punching out riffs on Kupka’s brawny bari foundation.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Liam Gagne recorded 24 saves and Billerica rallied from a two-goal deficit to beat Milton 3-2 in the first round of the Irish American Shootout.—
Kristina Banahan,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
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Skincare delivered €551 million in sales and represented 11% of the group’s full-year revenue, beating market expectations.—
Hikmat Mohammed,
Vogue,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Work over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/work%20over. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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