1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
gave the ball a solid lick with the bat
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in splash
a very small amount
the soup needs just a lick more of salt
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in damn
the smallest amount or part imaginable
you haven't done a lick of work all day
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to hide
to strike repeatedly
your father will lick you good if he hears you using swear words
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to master
to achieve a victory over
he's determined to do everything he can to lick the cancer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 lick
Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
His fans got nuzzles, licks and tail wags in return.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
The race is being widely viewed as a must-win for Democrats who at the national level are still licking their 2024 election wounds, as well as a potential referendum on Trump and Musk.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lick
Noun
Burgess can be seen sporting red hair, leaning over to pretend to take a lick of an ice cream cone.
—Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
His fans got nuzzles, licks and tail wags in return.
—Janice Neumann, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
Once beside them, the cat gently licked and sniffed the tiny, wriggling kittens before settling down protectively.
—Lee Habeeb, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025
The race is being widely viewed as a must-win for Democrats who at the national level are still licking their 2024 election wounds, as well as a potential referendum on Trump and Musk.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lick
Noun
-
The endorsement was a boon to Mr. Cuomo, 67, and a blow to his rivals.—
Nicholas Fandos,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
The result is just tit-for-tat subversion and another blow to America’s supposedly nonpartisan system of justice.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Neither does the oak, even after almost 25 years, although that small amount of virgin oak barrels in the mix adds a splash of vibrant wood to the flavor profile.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
13 Apr. 2025
-
The use of blue and limestone beige reflects Malta’s coastal hues, with accents of vibrant red to offer a splash of contrast.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Since the death of Tom Petty meant an end to his primary job in 2017, Tench has still been visible in the background as a member of the house band in practically any tribute show that’s worth a damn.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Continue reading … 'STEELE' THE SHOW – MSNBC host demands Democrats start giving a ‘damn’ about Trump, Musk in fiery rant.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
17 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Ellie hides her injury from Dina when her friend arrives to rescue her, and the women are summoned to appear before the town leaders to share their experience.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Read Next World Palace gardens hid 900-year-old ruins of bathhouse in Spain — until now.—
Aspen Pflughoeft,
Miami Herald,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Any club would naturally be eager to sign a player who has mastered the most fundamental skill required to excel as a striker.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
-
Now, a new study adds basic geometry to the list of subjects these brainy birds seem to be able to master.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Scott tried for a slap but Rhodes hit him with the Cross Rhodes.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
21 Apr. 2025
-
Reports indicated that Scott's forceful slap across Rhodes's face resulted in a ruptured eardrum, an injury severe enough to necessitate Rhodes wearing an earplug during subsequent appearances.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Cover and cook until roast is tender and shreds easily, about 5 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
8 Apr. 2025
-
But Illinois lawmakers have yet to provide one shred of evidence that any individual’s benefits fall afoul of the IRS rules.—
Ted Dabrowski,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The show also begged us to care one whit about Nick’s secret romance with… Jessica’s sister!!!—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
24 Mar. 2025
-
The lack of logic Trump’s fun-house version of justice may not matter a whit to voters, or alter even slightly their perceptions of the two major parties.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
The Mercury News,
4 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lick. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share