1
as in scams
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
Relevance
2
as in pains
a sharp unpleasant sensation usually felt in some specific part of the body
the sting of cold air against my face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in gouges
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 plucks
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stings
Noun
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Last year, more than 40,000 Chinese people were detained in Myanmar over scams and deported to China.—
Hannah Beech,
New York Times,
31 Dec. 2024 -
In the summer of 2024, New York Attorney General Letitia James warned about investment scams using deepfake videos of celebrities like Warren Buffett and Elon Musk to lure investors.—
Steven Smith,
Forbes,
30 Dec. 2024
Verb
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If Memphis beats Denver on Friday and the Golden State Warriors beat the LA Clippers on Sunday, the Wolves will finish fourth and host Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
-
If Denver beats Memphis and the Clippers beat the Warriors, the Wolves would finish sixth.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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What does ‘no fault or negligence’ actually mean?—
Charlie Eccleshare,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
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What law enforcement does, the overdose epidemic marches on, with New Yorkers dying preventable deaths out of a combination of social factors, the tainting of the drug supply with potent synthetic opioids like fentanyl, and what has often been a lack of available treatment and support.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
3 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Stings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stings. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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