bonk

verb

ˈbäŋk How to pronounce bonk (audio)
Definition of bonknext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bonk Or picture playing a round of knockout basketball with Caitlin Clark when you’ve been known to bonk the majority of your free throws. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026 With eight minutes left in the contest, Kempe bonked Cale Makar in the back of the head, then went to the box for mixing it up with captain Gabe Landeskog, who came to Makar’s defense, shortly thereafter. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026 Watch the baby birds bonking at the video at the top of the story. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026 That depletes your carb stores prematurely, leaving you unable to accelerate and more likely to bonk. — Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonk
  1. hit
  2. smack
  3. slap
  4. knock
  5. bang
  6. punch
  7. whack
  8. clap
Verb
  • Throw it on over a swimsuit before hitting the beach, or accessorize it with a belt and some sunnies for a laid-back, yet polished, ensemble.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The American military undertook fresh strikes against Iran, hitting air defense and radar system targets.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • Brady House smacked a three-run homer, Jackson Kent pitched seven innings of one-run ball to earn his first major league win and the Washington Nationals beat the visiting Miami Marlins 9-2 on Friday.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The directorial debut of cinematographer Mi Steinbach, Strange Neighbors was shot over three years on Schwarztonnensand, an island and nature preserve on the German Elbe river, smack in the middle of one of Europe’s busiest waterways.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of smack
Verb
  • At the weigh-ins and face-off for the IBF heavyweight championship fight, Itauma shoved Hrgovic off the stage and the latter retaliated by slapping the former's face.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • While outlining the details of Clancy's suicide attempt, Reddington slapped a quarter on the table and addressed the prosecutors in what appeared to be a direct challenge to the state.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of slap
Verb
  • If such an attack succeeds, Gulf Arab states’ need to save their huge oil infrastructure investments could knock them out of their informal American coalition or force Washington to accept Iranian terms on reopening the strait.
    — JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, London City Lionesses and Brighton, albeit the latter has just appointed a new head coach, knocking at the door, this could be United’s toughest season yet.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of knock
Verb
  • Fast-forward five centuries later to modern-day Seattle, and Liz is forever banging her head hearing her husband's persistent little cough.
    — Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The water stops suddenly, making the pipe shudder or bang against the wall or another surface.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of bang
Verb
  • The detainee said Seenaraine punched Rodriguez in the face after guards moved him to another part of the detention center.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
  • DuBose questions the allegation that Fields’ sucker-punched his teammate.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of punch
Verb
  • There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers.
    — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Miami Dolphins rookie had shed his block and began pursuing Jameis Winston, reaching the New York Giants’ backup quarterback in time to whack him good with a legal hit.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of whack
Verb
  • The film’s sombre tone and subject matter likely put a damper on the Lido crowd’s reaction, but the movie was well received, with the audience rising for a standing ovation, clapping warmly for four minutes.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Throughout the performances, River had her arm around Remy as the siblings swayed, clapped and whooped for their mom.
    — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of clap

Browse Nearby Words

boning (up)
bonk
bonked
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonk. Accessed 8 Sep. 2026.

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