sting 1 of 2

noun

Definition of stingnext
1
as in tingle
a sharp unpleasant sensation usually felt in some specific part of the body the sting of cold air against my face

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value the pawn shop operation turned out to be a sting by undercover police officers to catch the ring of burglars

Synonyms & Similar Words

sting

2 of 2

verb

ˈstiŋ How to pronounce sting (audio)
1
as in to gouge
to charge (someone) too much for goods or services a nightclub that's been stinging patrons for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to pluck
to rob by the use of trickery or threats swindlers who sting unwary tourists by posing as officials demanding money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sting
Noun
The sting of the Australian box jellyfish has been described as being lashed with a whip dipped in burning acid, and is powerful enough to kill an adult in as little as two minutes! — New Atlas, 30 June 2026 The Angels are mired in 10 straight losing seasons, 11 playoff-free years, a bottom-tier farm system and the sting of Shohei Ohtani’s exit. — Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Verb
However, people who are hypersensitive to other stinging insects are at higher risk of anaphylactic response to Asian needle ant stings. — Eva Flowe june 26, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2026 Finally, YLHs are of interest to public health because these are stinging insects that produce large colonies much bigger than our native stinging insects. — Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for sting
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sting
  1. tingle
  2. scam
  3. gouge
  4. pluck
  5. ache
  6. fraud
  7. cheat
  8. squeeze
Noun
  • Fruit extracts clarify excess oil and buildup, while a cooling mint complex and menthol deliver a refreshing tingle, leaving your scalp feeling clean, balanced, and freshly reset.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 June 2026
  • In the case of Putnam County, that tingle is a roar — our collective sense that the fraud there goes back decades.
    — Paul Solotaroff, Rolling Stone, 9 June 2026
Definition of tingle
Noun
  • As cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated tactics and AI makes phishing attempts, impersonation scams and other attacks harder to spot, organizations can’t rely on annual compliance training alone.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Always compare multiple firms before making a decision because tax relief scams do exist.
    — Nick Perry, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of scam
Verb
  • The agencies also encouraged states with price-gouging statutes to determine whether enforcement actions are warranted under those laws.
    — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2026
  • Trump recently posted on his Truth Social account that big oil companies were not dropping gas prices fast enough, and that Americans were being gouged.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of gouge
Verb
  • Patina Osaka’s ground-floor restaurant, P72, focuses on seasonal produce sourced nearby and plucked daily from the hotel’s urban garden.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • Eyebrows were being plucked into oblivion, bronzer was used in excess, and hair was parted deeply to one side.
    — Lauren Alberti, Allure, 6 July 2026
Definition of pluck
Noun
  • Perhaps second only to getting sunburned through your favorite white dress, the greatest casualty of summer fashion is the aches and pains brought on by your cutest but least supportive shoes.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Good posture helps prevent aches in the back, neck and shoulders, reduces joint wear and lowers the risk of sports injuries, according to Cleveland Clinic.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Definition of ache
Noun
  • Kidan pleaded guilty in 2005 to fraud and conspiracy related to the purchase of a fleet of gambling boats, and in 2006 he was sentenced to nearly six years in prison.
    — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Google also said the devices were used for ad fraud and other digital crimes.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of fraud
Verb
  • The American grandmaster shed some light on his mindset following Kramnik’s cheating accusations in a livestream prior to his death, according to the Associated Press.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Trump has also continued to claim Democrats are trying to rig or cheat in the upcoming election, remarks that have faced rebukes from members of his own party.
    — Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of cheat
Verb
  • As artificial intelligence transforms the job market and rising living costs squeeze family budgets, the University of California system is making the case that its degrees remain valuable investments.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • Breweries may not have the budget or staff to create art and with rising costs squeezing small businesses, many breweries started to feature obvious generative AI art prominently as a way to talk about events or create content.
    — Em Sauter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of squeeze

Browse Nearby Words

stimulus
sting
stinger
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Cite this Entry

“Sting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sting. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of sting for Spanish Speakers

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