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
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
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
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
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
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
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
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
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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When the financial crisis hit in 2008, Mindy Fitzpatrick considered selling her family’s 6-acre wooded lot on Friendly Road.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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Sticker shock, though, is expected to hit when consumers shop for 2026 model year cars and trucks as more of those vehicles arrive at dealer lots, according to Cox Automotive.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The raw tuna got smacked with a Stop Sale.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
5 Sep. 2025
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As of this publication, the final Conjuring movie starring Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Ed and Lorraine Warren lands smack dab in the middle of the best and worst rated Conjuring Cinematic Universe films on Rotten Tomatoes.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Later that night Plumier demonstrates by swiftly slapping the limp green body of a bullfrog hard across his leg.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
9 Sep. 2025
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Garraty is forced to slap himself across the face to stay awake as Barkovitch taunts him.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Maximo Acosta banged a leadoff double off the center-field wall.—
Alex Krutchik,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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From his head-banging guitar solo to his crisp, impressively precise vocals, Thomas delivered male R&B showmanship reminiscent of Maxwell or D’Angelo.—
Kyle Denis,
Billboard,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Like the clang of bells, the sound bypassed my ears and punched the air from my lungs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Sep. 2025
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His video shows the worker being punched and stomped on as others attempted to intervene.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As Wyatt goes in for the swing, her little sister, Bennett, runs behind her and nearly gets whacked by the club.—
Georgia Slater,
People.com,
25 Aug. 2025
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Christian Walker has whacked a home run in all of them, including a tiebreaking two-run shot in the seventh inning Saturday night.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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After the Tar Heels began the 2025 season with an opening-drive touchdown, Tar Heels legendary former head basketball coach Roy Williams was clapping in his own suite alongside Michael Jordan, the UNC sensation who turned into one of the best NBA players of all time.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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In the video, Kotb could be seen clapping as a friend brought Waffles out of a car to her daughters, who were standing in their driveway waiting to meet their new furry friend.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonk. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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