as in stings
to charge (someone) too much for goods or services
since I had forgotten the sunscreen, I was forced to buy it from the concession stand at the beach—where they gouged me for it
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Recent Examples of gouges
John Seiler, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Verb
In 2017, he was recalled after backing the $5 billion yearly gas tax that still gouges at the pump.
—John Seiler, Oc Register, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gouges
Verb
-
Nothing stings more than seeing a shipping fee tacked on top of an order that was already a splurge.—
Hannah Chubb,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This scene stings with recognition.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Plus, the rubber outsole features specialized grooves to improve traction across a variety of surfaces.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Standard hangers with notches Many standard plastic hangers have small notches or grooves along the top, originally designed to hold garment straps or accessories in place.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An electronic safety system monitors each cell during operations, avoiding both under- and overcharges.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
22 Aug. 2017
Noun
-
Rotund ewes are sometimes prone to getting pinned upside down in hollows by their own weight.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Maron explained that storms can dislodge baby birds from their nests, sweep young animals out of tree hollows and even flood ground nests used by cottontails and skunks.—
Samantha Agate,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The pay reality punctures that myth entirely.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
14 Apr. 2026
-
Quality stability balls use thick, durable materials that are less likely to sustain damage from tears or punctures.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Inspired by real stories, Eva Marcille portrays a wife who miraculously cheats death after her husband’s (Tyler Lepley) betrayal in Pushed Off a Plane and Survived airing on February 28.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Blashill wants the Blackhawks to be a fast-pressure team at both ends of the rink, one that attacks vertically but never cheats for offense.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
2 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Pitch invasions, punches thrown (allegedly) and promotion by a whisker in the 103rd minute.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Dallas and Minnesota throw punches from your weight class.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gouges.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gouges. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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