as in dog
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
he's nothing but a dirty, rotten skunk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to bomb
to defeat by a large margin
we ended up skunking them, as our goalie was able to prevent the other team from scoring a single goal
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to defeat
to achieve a victory over
our football team consistently skunks our traditional rivals Thanksgiving after Thanksgiving
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to sting
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
unwilling to let suppliers skunk him, the restaurant owner inspected every shipment before signing off on it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of skunk
Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Medium-sized animals like skunks, bobcats and foxes also did not vanish.
—Anton Sorokin, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 May 2024
In a remarkable, odds-defying losing streak, the 67-year-old composer has been skunked on every nomination, including the past seven years in a row.
—Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for skunk
Noun
Cornell University’s Department of Public & Ecosystem Health expert Jenny Bloodgood told NBC News that she’s seen a fox, a skunk, a possum and a bobcat test positive for the virus in New York State, indicating the bug could be mutating.
—Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Medium-sized animals like skunks, bobcats and foxes also did not vanish.
—Anton Sorokin, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025
Verb
The premise was that the Minnesota Timberwolves were trying to reconnect in this series after getting skunked twice at home.
—Troy Renck, The Denver Post, 15 May 2024
In a remarkable, odds-defying losing streak, the 67-year-old composer has been skunked on every nomination, including the past seven years in a row.
—Tyler Coates, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Mar. 2024
See All Example Sentences for skunk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for skunk
Noun
-
According to LifeLine, the DeKalb shelter takes in 135 dogs a week on average.—
Jim Gaines,
ajc,
13 Sep. 2023
-
The remains were found by two men who were running their dogs and looking for rocks, according to DNASolves.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 Sep. 2023
Verb
-
On April 19, 1995, Timothy McVeigh bombed a federal building, killing 167 people and injuring 684.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Israel has bombed, besieged and raided them, some several times, while accusing Hamas of using them as cover for its fighters.—
Wafaa Shurafa and Samy Magdy,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
In his first defense of the IBF crown, Ennis defeated David Avanesyan when the fight was halted before the start of the sixth round.—
Trent Reinsmith,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
-
The Kings defeated the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the play-in tournament before losing to the New Orleans Pelicans in a game that would have sent them to the playoffs as the No.—
Jason Anderson,
Sacbee.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Hit the ball too far up the handle, or off the end of the head, and the bat will flex and vibrate, transferring less energy to the ball and stinging the batter’s hands.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2025
-
Pets who have an encounter with stinging caterpillars will need a vet visit ASAP.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
1 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
So slotting in a quick biceps workout to smoke these important players is always a smart choice—especially since this muscle group can easily get neglected.—
Jenny McCoy,
SELF,
9 Apr. 2025
-
The Connecticut Police Chiefs Association lobbied for years against the legalization of recreational marijuana because police said officers lacked a roadside test to prove that a driver has been smoking marijuana.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
8 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
Verb
-
There's a problem these players aren't punished enough for cheating.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
-
And right when they're embroiled in the ensuing messy separation, new DNA evidence surfaces in Adam's case, the woman Bob cheated with turns up missing, and just like that, Sarah's back in the spotlight.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In real time, the audience, the queens watching, and perhaps Suzie herself all learn that Suzie has a knack for sexiness onstage, even though she’s dressed as a clown.—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
12 Apr. 2025
-
Among the mass-shooting victims is a bloodied clown who was performing at the festival.—
James Poniewozik,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Skunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/skunk. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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