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Showing results for licking. Search instead for lickin.
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

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

Lockjaw licking his comb to tidy his bangs.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

Then they got ice cream, and were strolling in Harvard Square, licking cones, when several stout men in suits blocked their path.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.