Synonyms for

Licking

Verb / ˈlɪkɪŋ / Another word for licking — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

the action of passing the tongue over a surface, typically to taste, moisten, or clean it

Synonyms & similar words

bat work clobber drub whacking victory workout figureout beating lacing drubbing lap solve lick lapup trouncing puzzleout thrashing defeat cream thrash tasting savoring sampling trying nibbling biting chewing gnawing devouring ingesting consuming swallowing drinking lapping sucking smacking kissing caressing fondling embracing

Synonyms by register

Formal

lapping sipping tasting

Informal

slurping lapping up tasting

Literary

caressing sampling

Antonyms

abstaining refraining avoiding resisting shunning

Common collocations

  • licking stamps
  • licking wounds
  • licking the plate
  • licking the envelope
  • licking the air
  • licking a lollipop
  • licking the ice cream

Word family

noun lick
verb lick
adjective licking

Usage note

The word 'licking' is most commonly associated with the physical act of using the tongue. Figurative uses, such as 'licking wounds' or 'licking stamps', are also prevalent.

Example sentences

  1. The cat is licking its paws.
  2. She was licking the spoon after eating ice cream.
  3. He licked the envelope to seal it.
  4. The child was licking the lollipop.
  5. The dog was licking his wounds.

Quotes

  • I was licking my wounds. And I decided to run away.
  • I'm sick of following my dreams, man. I'm just going to ask where they're going and hook up with 'em later. - Mitch Hedberg
  • I'm not a lickspittle. I'm a flatterer.

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