1
as in to hide
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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2
as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
a time when children were routinely tanned for misbehavior
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tan
The second piece of evidence is the deer sin being tanned near the edge of the camp.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Foster was tanned and wearing a pale linen suit, navy loafers, and mustard-yellow socks.
—Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Some trials have shown that users notice skin tanning within five doses.6
One of the greatest concerns with tanning nasal spray is the side effects.
—Marisa Garshick, Verywell Health, 30 Dec. 2024
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, which can be found in sunlight as well as tanning lamps and beds, according to Mayo Clinic.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for tan
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Foster was tanned and wearing a pale linen suit, navy loafers, and mustard-yellow socks.
—Ian Parker, The New Yorker, 20 Jan. 2025
Some trials have shown that users notice skin tanning within five doses.6
One of the greatest concerns with tanning nasal spray is the side effects.
—Marisa Garshick, Verywell Health, 30 Dec. 2024
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is often caused by exposure to ultraviolet light, which can be found in sunlight as well as tanning lamps and beds, according to Mayo Clinic.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 19 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for tan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tan
Verb
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Imani Randolph, a model and creator, recalls her mom’s upbringing in the Bronx where effort wasn’t hidden, it was celebrated.—
Daisy Maldonado,
Vogue,
26 Feb. 2025
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The good news is that new data solutions are emerging to help businesses finally unlock the potential hidden within their data.—
Lalit Patil,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The flames licked at the neighborhood’s outskirts, toasting a few leaves at the perimeter, but didn’t damage a single residence in the community.—
Jack Flemming,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2025
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As Ferrell resumed singing with Johansson, Kardashian and Gasteyer, Wiig proceeded to lick Dooneese’s tiny hands and stroke Johansson’s face, tap on one of Gasteyer’s breasts and pretend to play the drums on Kardashian’s butt.—
Michaela Zee,
Variety,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
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News round-up Real Madrid set up El Clasico in Spain’s Supercopa by leathering Mallorca 3-0 last night.—
Phil Hay,
The Athletic,
10 Jan. 2025
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Almost from the start, Dharavi was defined by its industries: from the traditional potters of Gujarat who began arriving in the late 1800s, to leather tanners from Tamil Nadu and embroidery workers from Uttar Pradesh.—
Jessie Yeung,
CNN,
29 June 2024
Verb
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Musk pounded his chest and raised his right arm in an angular motion while giving his speech.—
Tom Rogers,
Newsweek,
21 Feb. 2025
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That involved Shorrock and a few others pounding posts in the ground, putting up heavy metal fencing and twisting metal ties together.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Eleven of his assists that season came from the right, and nine were whipped across in that fashion.—
Art de Roché,
The Athletic,
21 Feb. 2025
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Miller was struck in the temple, whipping his hat off his head.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
21 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, lashed out at the Trump administration for leaving him out of the talks.—
German Lopez,
New York Times,
19 Feb. 2025
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In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Mr. Trump lashed out at Zelenskyy, accusing him of duping the U.S. into providing billions in aid to Ukraine and misusing it.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Meanwhile, Democrats, lacking the votes to block Trump's plans, are warning of severe consequences, particularly as the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) slashes federal agencies, leading to mass layoffs and the dismantling of government programs.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
20 Feb. 2025
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Beyond the ability to reap new rewards, going digital with cards ramps up security, slashes cash dependency and boosts financial transparency.—
Forbes,
Forbes,
20 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Rain pelted the unassuming shop and office complex.—
Tim Botos,
USA TODAY,
18 Feb. 2025
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Their days are taken up with shooting practice, lobster racing, pelting men with fruit, and slipping poison into unattended cups of tea—and best of all, there isn’t a damsel in distress in sight.—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
9 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Tan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tan. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.
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