licking Synonyms
Another word for licking
• verb (Context 1)
To pass the tongue over a surface in order to taste, moisten, or clean it (present participle of lick).
"The cat sat on the sunny windowsill, quietly lapping its paws."
• noun (Context 2)
The act or an instance of passing the tongue over a surface, typically to taste, moisten, or clean it.
"The puppy greeted us at the door with a playful lapping of our hands."
• noun (Context 3)
A decisive defeat in a game or contest, or a severe physical beating (informal).
"The home team took a terrible thrashing in the championship match."
• verb (Context 4)
To move lightly and quickly over a surface like a tongue (especially of flames or waves).
"Bright orange flames were soon lapping the dry logs in the fireplace."
• verb (Context 5)
To overcome a difficult problem or decisively defeat an opponent (informal).
"After weeks of effort, the engineers are close to beating the software bug."
Opposites of licking
The opposite of licking shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: