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Dictionary.com
Definitions

licking

[lik-ing] / ˈlɪk ɪŋ /
NOUN
beating
Synonyms
STRONGEST
whipping
STRONG
annihilation bashing defeat drubbing flogging lashing thrashing
NOUN
defeat
Synonyms
STRONGEST
whipping
STRONG
KO ambush annihilation beating blow break breakdown check collapse conquest count debacle destruction discomfiture drubbing embarrassment extermination failure fall killing lacing loss massacre mastery overthrow paddling rebuff repulse reverse rout ruin scalping setback shellacking slaughter subjugation thrashing trap trashing trimming triumph trouncing waxing whaling whitewashing
WEAK
defeasance downthrow insuccess nonsuccess vanquishment
Antonyms
STRONG
accomplishment achievement boon building construction creation forfeit good fortune loss rise success surrender victory win yielding

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lower rates would be welcome news for tech investors, who are still licking their wounds from the past week.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026

Lynagh said he was licking his lips in anticipation of facing Ireland, who were hammered 36-14 by France on Thursday, in Dublin next Saturday.

From Barron's • Feb. 7, 2026

De Angelis and Waltz are also a hoot together, she as a heaving, hissing vampire bride who can’t stop licking her chops, he as a bone-dry vampire hunter dedicated to his investigation.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

It’s when we enjoy slices of birthday cake to our hearts’ content, savoring every single crumb and licking our plates clean of any frosting.

From Salon • Jan. 10, 2026

Each morning I would wake up and expect to feel his shaggy presence at the end of my bed, or his big tongue licking my face—Comfort!

From Each Little Bird That Sings by Deborah Wiles