stick out

To extend beyond the surface or edge of something.

• His ears stick out.
• A corner of the blanket was sticking out of the bag.
• Does this nail stick out too far?

How to use it: stick out of something (A pen was sticking out of his pocket.); stick out from something (A nail sticks out from the wall.)

Similar words: protrude, jut out

Common phrases: stick out of something, stick out beyond something

To move part of your body or an object outward beyond its usual position.

• He stuck out his tongue.
• She stuck her arm out to signal a turn.
• Do not stick your head out of the window.

How to use it: stick something out (She stuck her hand out to catch the ball.); stick something out of something (He stuck his head out of the window.)

Similar words: extend, put out

Opposites: pull in, retract

Common phrases: stick out a tongue, stick out an arm

To be easy to notice because you are different from what is around you.

• That red door sticks out.
• His formal suit stuck out at the beach party.
• Will these mistakes stick out to readers?

How to use it: stick out among something (The bright jacket stuck out among the dark coats.)

Similar words: stand out, be conspicuous

Opposites: blend in

Common phrases: stick out among others, stick out immediately

To continue doing something difficult until it ends instead of leaving or stopping.

• I will stick it out.
• The job was tough, but he stuck it out.
• Can you stick it out for another week?

How to use it: stick it out (The training was hard, but she stuck it out.); stick something out (I will stick the course out until the end.)

Similar words: persevere, see through, endure

Opposites: quit, give up

Common phrases: stick out something, stick out a course