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
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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
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Recent Examples of lick
Lauren Coates, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
The first responders will stay as long as duty demands—the Eaton Fire remains roughly 90% contained, though cleanup efforts will likely continue well past the last lick of flame.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Soto’s at-bats are a masterclass in how to get underneath the skin of pitchers, with the superstar slugger often licking his lips, staring down his competition and, of course, shuffling in between pitches.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lick
Noun
Instead, Rupp ended up playing the only member of Agatha’s coven without a lick of magical talent.
—Lauren Coates, Variety, 23 Mar. 2025
The first responders will stay as long as duty demands—the Eaton Fire remains roughly 90% contained, though cleanup efforts will likely continue well past the last lick of flame.
—Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
Boston, Cleveland, and New York are licking their chops, ready to feast on a Bucks team missing its point guard, its bench leader, and its identity.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
Soto’s at-bats are a masterclass in how to get underneath the skin of pitchers, with the superstar slugger often licking his lips, staring down his competition and, of course, shuffling in between pitches.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lick
Noun
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The endorsement was a boon to Mr. Cuomo, 67, and a blow to his rivals.—
Nicholas Fandos,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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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
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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
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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
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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
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The titles of 12 such books — some of which may have been published before 2025 — are hidden below within an unrelated text passage.—
J. D. Biersdorfer,
New York Times,
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
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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
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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
Noun
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Two minutes later, Pastrnak redirected a slap pass from Morgan Geekie into the net to tie it 2-all.—
Jimmy Golen,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2025
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Closing the door to these studios during the extreme hype of a console’s launch window would be a slap to the face.—
Jason Evangelho,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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To put it more directly: Iowa State, Colorado and Arizona better leave no shred of doubt in the remaining weeks of Big 12 play and the conference tournament to have a shot at March Madness.—
Mark Schindler,
The Athletic,
19 Feb. 2025
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Trump’s contrived veneer is being ripped away to reveal an immoral, mendacious, transactional opportunist, without a shred of loyalty to anyone or anything but himself.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
21 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
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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 21 Apr. 2025.
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