as in to ring
to make the clear sound heard when metal vibrates
the church bells knelled to mark the death of the nation's beloved leader
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in indicator
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knell
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
31 May 2026
The regular appearance of major celebrities on such programs is a death knell for the traditional late-night programs, which once were the place to see celebrities in more relaxed fashion.
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Some might argue that inflation was the death knell of sustainable fashion.
—
Elizabeth Cline,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
The ruling marks the death knell for Democrats’ hopes of installing a new gerrymander of the commonwealth’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections, hoping to flip up to four of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats from Republican to Democrat.
—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for knell
Noun
This used to be a death knell—the shoes that fit the bill were hideous until a few years ago.
—
Tamim Alnuweiri,
InStyle,
31 May 2026
The regular appearance of major celebrities on such programs is a death knell for the traditional late-night programs, which once were the place to see celebrities in more relaxed fashion.
—
Brian Steinberg,
Variety,
20 May 2026
Some might argue that inflation was the death knell of sustainable fashion.
—
Elizabeth Cline,
The Atlantic,
19 May 2026
The ruling marks the death knell for Democrats’ hopes of installing a new gerrymander of the commonwealth’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections, hoping to flip up to four of Virginia’s 11 congressional seats from Republican to Democrat.
—
Jack Birle,
The Washington Examiner,
15 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for knell
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knell
Verb
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Gorgeous gardens and common spaces, including a large pool ringed by palm trees, and a stylish main house with plenty of sitting areas and dining nooks.
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Days before the San Diego County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to adopt its multibillion-dollar budget for the year that begins July 1, a government watchdog group is ringing alarm bells over the fiscal health of the nation’s fifth-largest county.
Noun
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Assuming the role of a human clapper, Holzinger struck its lip again and again, sending a sonorous peal across the Biennale grounds.
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In Parliament Square, the music was drowned out by the peals of Westminster Abbey.
Noun
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Hostile and benevolent sexism are early indicators of deeper problems.
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The researchers emphasized that these specific measurements are critical medical indicators of an older adult's future health.
Verb
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Shippers and producers have grown increasingly concerned about the prospect that Iran will seek to toll the strait in future, after the memorandum of understanding signed with the US said only that transit would be free for the duration of its 60-day term.
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Trump said Xi also told him that China intended to continue buying oil from Iran, even as Beijing opposed any effort by Iran to militarize or effectively toll the Strait of Hormuz.
Noun
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If, however, Madrid find themselves in end-to-end ding-dongs next season — the kind that Guardiola spent his career, and particularly his final season at City, trying to avoid — then Bernardo may not be the man for the occasion.
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Hopefully, now this kid can stop being a moody ass little ding-dong about it.
Noun
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Tania Galloni, an attorney with Earthjustice, said advocates have received mixed signals from state officials regarding the future of the facility.
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Lectra said sequins are up 40 percent and fringe 34 percent this spring and summer season—a signal that consumers crave escapism and individuality.
Verb
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When activated, the speakers chime twice every second, with more sustained notes than those from traditional railroad crossing signals.
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Various limited editions followed, marking a new era of mechanical watches and highly complicated timepieces, including chiming watches, which Stern was a true fan of.
Noun
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Cloudy chords, meditative tintinnabulation, the whoosh of wind and rain, blocks of iridescent brass — all these discrete sonorities trundled by, like a train of boxcars with panoramas painted on their sides.
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Shivaree, chthonian, erumpent, tintinnabulation, exonumia, requiescat, deipnosophist, omphaloskepsis, horripilation, deliquesce, apopemptic.
Cite this Entry
“Knell.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knell. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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