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sticks out like a sore thumb

sticks out like a sore thumb is the third-person singular simple present indicative of stick out like a sore thumb.

Meaning of stick out like a sore thumb

Verb

stick out like a sore thumb (third-person singular simple present sticks out like a sore thumb, present participle sticking out like a sore thumb, simple past and past participle stuck out like a sore thumb)

  1. (simile) To be very noticeably (and undesirably or humorously) different; to be prominently out of place; to be particularly obtrusive or conspicuous (usually unintentionally); to attract unwanted attention or notice.
    • Don't wear a business suit to that party; you'll stick out like a sore thumb.
    Antonyms:
    belong, blend in, fit, fit in

Questions about sticks out like a sore thumb

What is sticks out like a sore thumb the third-person singular simple present indicative of?
Sticks out like a sore thumb is the third-person singular simple present indicative of stick out like a sore thumb.

Words near sticks out like a sore thumb in the dictionary

  1. sticks one's nose into
  2. sticks one's oar in
  3. sticks one's tongue out
  4. sticks out
  5. sticks out a mile
  6. sticks out like a sore thumb
  7. sticks out like dog's balls
  8. sticks someone on
  9. sticks the knife in
  10. sticks the landing
  11. sticks to

Source and license

Adapted from Wiktionary: sticks out like a sore thumb (page history and authors); stick out like a sore thumb (page history and authors). Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws reformatted the entry and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

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