stick out

verb

stuck out; sticking out; sticks out
Synonyms of stick outnext

intransitive verb

1
a
: to jut out : project
ears that stick out
b
: to be prominent or conspicuous
stuck out in an orange vest
2
British, informal : to be persistent (as in a demand or an opinion)

transitive verb

1
: extend (as a body part) outward
stick out your tongue
2
: endure, last entry 1
—often used with it
stuck it out to the end

Synonyms of stick out

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Examples of stick out in a Sentence

no feet sticking out in the aisles, please managed to stick out the whole race despite her bad knee
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
As Cifaldi and his companions started hiking out, the pole awkwardly sticking out of his side, Stillwater County Search and Rescue team commander Ty Williams monitored the group's progress via a dispatcher who took calls from the group. — CBS News, 30 July 2026 But in general, the scuzz in these songs is homogenized, distributed evenly rather than sticking out in clumps. — Mitch Therieau, Pitchfork, 30 July 2026 When O’Neill thinks about his time in Minnesota, the team’s playoff success, or lack thereof, sticks out. — Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 30 July 2026 Barrow County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Jason Smith testified that Colt Gray carried the semiautomatic rifle onto the school bus with the barrel sticking out and wrapped in poster board. — Kate Brumback, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for stick out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1640, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of stick out was circa 1640

Rhymes for stick out

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Browse Nearby Words

stick one's neck out
stick out
stick out for (something)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stick out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stick%20out. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

stick out

verb
1
a
: to extend out : project
b
: to be noticeable
you will certainly stick out with that red hat and coat
2
: to put up with : endure
stuck it out to the bitter end

More from Merriam-Webster on stick out

Nglish: Translation of stick out for Spanish Speakers

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