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.

He sips small amounts of ice water because drinking too much is akin to licking one’s lips, causing them to chap.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

But instead of attacking, the smaller ants climb onto the bigger ones and begin licking and nibbling across their bodies.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

England will be licking their lips at the opportunity to bounce back against Ireland on Saturday.

From BBC • Feb. 15, 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

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

licking

Example Sentences

Related Words