as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
an overhead branch suddenly fell and bonked him on the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bonk
In other words, she got bonked on the head and now is the Terminator.
—
Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Perkins may attempt comedy, but his jokes land like a Nerf missile bonking your head.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025
Stelton wrote that the short-term chance of an eruption is akin to the probability of getting bonked in the head by a baseball — while standing outside a major league stadium.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
An argument ensues between two of the officials that ends when the not-quite-dead man gets bonked on the head with a mace.
—David Plazas, The Tennessean, 17 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bonk
Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Perkins may attempt comedy, but his jokes land like a Nerf missile bonking your head.
—Madison Bloom, Pitchfork, 7 Feb. 2025
Stelton wrote that the short-term chance of an eruption is akin to the probability of getting bonked in the head by a baseball — while standing outside a major league stadium.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
An argument ensues between two of the officials that ends when the not-quite-dead man gets bonked on the head with a mace.
—David Plazas, The Tennessean, 17 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonk
Verb
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In seeing their six-game winning streak halted just before hitting the friendly skies for a four-game road trip that tips off in Phoenix on Sunday, the Hornets (32-32) were victimized by Miami in the fourth quarter.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Mar. 2026
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Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch in the fifth to push the Americans’ lead to 4-1.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That one sits, like, smack in the middle of the park.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
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Brent Burns set up Landeskog’s one-timer from the high slot on the heels of a strong burst by MacKinnon, who had smacked a one-timer of his own in off the rush following Kempe’s errant pass at the offensive blue line.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kiel grounded out to third base before Sorrell slapped a single to right field, but was caught trying to steal second base.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
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Itoje was sin-binned in the 64th for illegally slapping the ball in a maul and 13 men were playing Italy's 15.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The district also launched a door-knocking campaign to increase attendance at the beginning of the year.—
Bri Hatch,
Chalkbeat,
3 Mar. 2026
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Instead, the men knocked on the apartment door and the woman stepped outside in the hallway, closing the door behind her.—
Meredith Colias-Pete,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Another bangs his head against the wall after expressing suicidal thoughts.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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On Tuesday, Freeny banged for loose balls and rebounds and helped limit Cornhuskers’ guard Pryce Sandfort to nine points on nine field-goal attempts.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Cornyn, for his part, has not shied away from the criticism and has even punched back at his opponents.—
Lauren Green,
The Washington Examiner,
3 Mar. 2026
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According to the sheriff's office, the suspect, who was identified as 33-year-old Shenard Jennings, and his roommate, Shouman, had ongoing arguments that had escalated when Jennings allegedly punched and beat Shouman, killing him.—
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If our fates were inscribed in our genetics, why would anyone bother to maintain a skin-care routine, much less go to the trouble of jamming his tongue against the top of his mouth or whacking himself with a hammer?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
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Family-friendly attractions abound, from old-school carnival games like ring toss and whack-a-mole to a fun house with mirror mazes and glowing lights.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Doncic’s technical was his 14th of the season – he wasn’t whistled for a second despite clapping at a referee to protest a no-call in the final minutes.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
4 Mar. 2026
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Doncic received his 14th technical foul of the season in the second quarter, and he wasn't whistled for a second despite clapping at a referee to protest a no-call in the final minutes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonk. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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