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.

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

From BBC • Feb. 15, 2026

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

Private equity buyers are probably licking their chops; Orlando Bravo, the founder of private-equity firm Thoma Bravo, said as much during an interview from Davos last month.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

Now the leopard is licking their faces, and they are bewildered.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2026

“What are you doing with it?” she said, licking a drip from the bottom of her cone.

From "The Line Tender" by Kate Allen

licking

Example Sentences

Related Words