sting Synonyms
Another word for sting
• noun (Context 1)
A small, sharp wound or puncture inflicted by an insect, arachnid, marine animal, or plant, often accompanied by the injection of venom or an irritant.
"She applied a soothing ointment to reduce the swelling from the bee bite."
• verb (Context 2)
To pierce or wound a person or animal with a sharp-pointed organ or hair coated in venom or an irritant (of an insect, arachnid, marine creature, or plant).
"A wasp will bite repeatedly if its nest is disturbed."
• verb (Context 3)
To feel or cause a sharp, tingling, or burning physical pain, especially on the skin or in the eyes.
"The icy winter wind made her cheeks smart as she walked across the campus."
• verb (Context 4)
To cause someone to feel acute mental distress, hurt, or resentment, or to provoke someone into sudden action through sharp criticism.
"Her harsh remarks about his manuscript continued to hurt long after the meeting ended."
• noun (Context 5)
A sharp, burning physical sensation or an acute feeling of mental and emotional distress.
"Years later, he still felt the sharp pang of rejection from his first job interview."
• noun (Context 6)
A carefully planned undercover operation, typically conducted by law enforcement, designed to catch criminals in the act of committing an offense.
"Federal agents recovered the stolen paintings during an elaborate undercover sting operation."
• noun (Context 7)
A sharp, pointed anatomical organ found in certain insects, scorpions, and other animals, capable of piercing skin and injecting venom.
"The worker bee leaves its barbed stinger behind in the skin of its attacker."
• verb (Context 8)
To swindle, cheat, or overcharge someone financially (used especially in informal contexts).
"Tourists often get stung by exorbitant taxi fares when arriving at the airport without a reservation."
Opposites of sting
The opposite of sting shifts depending on context. Common opposites include: