sic

1 of 3

adverb

ˈsik

ˈsēk

Synonyms of sic next

: intentionally so written

—used after a printed word or passage to indicate that it is intended exactly as printed or to indicate that it exactly reproduces an original

said he seed [sic] it all

sic

2 of 3

verb

ˈsik

variants or less commonly sick

sicced also sicked ˈsikt

; siccing also sicking

transitive verb

: chase, attack

—usually used as a command especially to a dog

sic 'em

: to incite or urge to an attack, pursuit, or harassment : set

sicced their lawyers on me

sic

3 of 3

ˈsik

chiefly Scottish variant of such

Did you know?

The adverb sic, usually enclosed in brackets, is a word editors use in the reproduction of someone else's speech or writing to indicate that an unexpected form exactly reproduces the original and is not a copier's mistake. Sic comes from Latin, in which it means "so" or "thus." Though it's a useful tool, some usage commentators feel it is bad manners to use a sic to needlessly call attention to someone's error or to deride the language of a less-educated person.

Examples of sic in a Sentence

Verb commanded the attack dogs to "sic 'em"

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Verb

This will effect [sic] people differently, so reach out, and offer to help. —

EW.com, 10 Jan. 2025 My heartaches [sic] for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. —

Janhvi Bhojwani, NBC News, 10 Jan. 2025 This national park is the largest and most popular park in the middle of the United States and famous for their beers (sic). —

Graham Averill, Outside Online, 22 Dec. 2024 Every staff of the park told us that beers (sic) were everywhere. —

Graham Averill, Outside Online, 22 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sic