1
as in to bump
to come into usually forceful contact with something
my knee knocked against the table leg when I tried to get up quickly
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
threatened to knock him upside the head if he didn't do as he was told
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to blame
to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of
hey, don't knock it until you've tried it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
gave the door a good knock
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2
as in misfortune
bad luck or an example of this
getting his college degree was a six year adventure not without its share of knocks along the way
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in setback
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
the geneticist's reputation took a knock when several of his peers were unable to confirm his research findings
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knock
William Guillory, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Arguably, the biggest knock on the stock is technical.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knock
Verb
During those moments, Houston will need guys like Sheppard, Smith, Tari Eason or even Thompson to step into open shots and knock them down with confidence.
—William Guillory, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
—Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
In the finale, a knock at the door introduces us to a stranger played by Niko Nicotera, who claims to be Alfie's father.
—Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025
Arguably, the biggest knock on the stock is technical.
—Michael Khouw, CNBC, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock
Verb
-
Létrange first bumped into Girbaud in 2002 while crossing Mexico City in his Land Rover.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
8 Oct. 2025
-
If the Senators are committed to Giroux in a third-line role, Amadio could always be bumped to a fourth-line spot to the right of Lars Eller and Nick Cousins.—
Julian McKenzie,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The ball popped up in the air and Bolton was there to grab it, except he was hit by teammate Drue Tranquill.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Hikers hit Goat Trail Hill 'n Dale Hiking Club will hike Thursday along the Goat Trail to Steel Creek on the Buffalo National River.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Swart also blamed major social-media platforms for monetizing outrage and accelerating polarization.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
12 Oct. 2025
-
Peart is certainly not the only one to blame for Denver’s putrid offensive effort, which included a trio of three-and-outs and a safety — on Quinn Meinerz for holding in the end zone — among the team’s first four drives of the second half.—
The Athletic NFL Staff,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
For years, the narrative has been that movies, in contrast to TV series, were in decline — casualties of a once-in-a-century pandemic that shuttered theaters and a double blow from prolonged industry strikes.—
Alejandro Rojas,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Oct. 2025
-
Advertisement Second, following Hamas's defeat, the IDF and intelligence agencies achieved impressive military accomplishments, including the blow dealt to Hamas, seizing the opportunity to destroy most of Syria's military capabilities—paving the way for the blow dealt to Iran.—
Ehud Barak,
Time,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There is, however, such a reality as too much of a good thing, even for those who imbibe in the saloon of others’ misfortune.—
Blake Toppmeyer,
USA TODAY,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Hampus Lindholm had the misfortune of breaking his patella in November.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Everything has broken right for Egbuka since the moment he was drafted, with Chris Godwin having a setback from his 2024 injury, Jalen McMillan severely injuring his neck and then Mike Evans succumbing to his annual hamstring injury.—
Michael Salfino,
New York Times,
6 Oct. 2025
-
The next year Jackson suffered a personal and professional setback.—
Jean Casarez,
CNN Money,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Gilbert, who graduated from the district’s New School For Community Service in 2008, recalled banging the rhythm on his desk as a teenager.—
Kayla Huynh,
jsonline.com,
10 Oct. 2025
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One of the loudest voices was 29-year-old Neil Lothamer, of Indianapolis, who added pot-banging to his chorus.—
Marissa Meador,
IndyStar,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Lawrence attempted to go over the pile on a fourth-down snap from the 1-yard line, but Bolton greeted him there, slapping the ball away and forcing a fumble inches before the ball reached the line.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
-
After Demercado gave up the ball too early, Gannon is seen in the video walking by him and appearing to slap his arm — while his teammates console the TCU product.—
Anna Lazarus Caplan,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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