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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bonk
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
In a split second, Jaden decided to one-up Carolyn’s cruelty and bonked her in the head repeatedly with the fire poker.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 July 2024
That pickleball game on the driveway was pure pandemonium, and Joan almost got bonked in the face with a ball.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 20 Sep. 2024
Miss Manners cannot entirely guarantee, however, that your finger will not bonk your nose instead — particularly after the second or third old-fashioned.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bonk
David Plazas, The Tennessean, 17 Apr. 2024
In a split second, Jaden decided to one-up Carolyn’s cruelty and bonked her in the head repeatedly with the fire poker.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 July 2024
That pickleball game on the driveway was pure pandemonium, and Joan almost got bonked in the face with a ball.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 20 Sep. 2024
Miss Manners cannot entirely guarantee, however, that your finger will not bonk your nose instead — particularly after the second or third old-fashioned.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonk
Verb
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Produced by Universal Pictures, Nobody 2 is the sequel to the 2021 action comedy hit Nobody.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
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The Mega Millions jackpot was last hit June 27, when a Virginia player won the $348 million grand prize, lottery officials said.—
Don Sweeney,
Miami Herald,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Sure, they got smacked by Ohio State, but who didn't last winter?—
Matthew Schmidt,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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Two 10-ounce bags of Fresh Express lettuce got smacked with Stop Sales.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Anthony thinks his fiancé wants a mother more than a partner, so Giuseppe slaps a pie into his face?—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
14 Aug. 2025
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Meanwhile, grey whales rolled in the presence of dolphins 56 times, and southern right whales slapped their pectoral fins on five occasions.—
Brendan Rascius,
Miami Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Whether Washington wants to make the playoffs or retain a lottery pick is an open question, but now that the Mystics control Seattle’s first-rounder (via the Sykes trade), a win Sunday could improve the Storm pick by knocking it into the lottery.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
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To get rid of pests, start by spraying a strong stream of water on the plant to knock them off.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images More news: Stephen A Smith Goes Off on Wild Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes Take Love apparently tore the ligament after banging his hand on a helmet during a sack.—
James Brizuela,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
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Eckhardt continued reading her statement while Campbell attempted to stop her several times before banging the gavel.—
Bayliss Wagner,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Verb
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California Governor Gavin Newsom is punching back at President Donald Trump — in memes and capital letters.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
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Miami’s first offensive drive of the Bears game was spoiled because of the team’s inability to punch the ball into the end zone on four goal line runs.—
Omar Kelly
August 15,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Ohtani whacked a single to center on that first pitch.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
18 July 2025
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Social media is flooded with compilations of her being whacked and hitting the deck.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
22 June 2025
Verb
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Trump clapped his hands in applause as Putin approached.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
16 Aug. 2025
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Orlando responded to the post with a comment of clapping emojis.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
11 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonk. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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