as in smacking
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 bonking
Those misses rarely occurred in season two, but three episodes into this season, the bat is flying wildly around the stadium, bonking people in the head in a freak mass-casualty bat-event.
—
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Watch the baby birds bonking at the video at the top of the story.
—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2026
Rebecca Alter,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
Watch the baby birds bonking at the video at the top of the story.
—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonking
Verb
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Deputies responded to a report of a driver smacking his car into a guardrail in front of The Bridge Restaurant before driving away, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
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As the match got away from her in the second set and the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd became increasingly hostile, Andreeva fully unraveled, smacking another ball towards the roof and asking members of her box to leave.
Verb
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Given the quick-hitting nature of the early morning showers, along with the very isolated nature of afternoon storms, not much rain is expected Friday.
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After slashing its Scope 3 carbon emissions by 20 percent from a 2019 baseline and hitting its target five years ahead of schedule, the Uniqlo parent company has raised the stakes, aiming for an additional 10 percent reduction by 2030.
Verb
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While the cameras were rolling, Spielberg would stand just out of frame with two wooden bats, banging them together to startle her.
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And on the other hand, there've been some folks who would like to see me out every day, right, banging the drum.
Verb
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The refs started handing out technical fouls like free samples, slapping Thomas and Hines-Allen with a double technical.
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Prosecutors dropped all charges against a bouncer for allegedly slapping a bar patron in February.
Verb
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Newsom’s office said that along with the FBI, agents from the IRS have been knocking on doors and asking questions.
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After knocking the trash can down, the bear easily shoved its arms inside.
Verb
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Cape Verde is not punching above its weight on heart.
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Court records reveal he was subsequently arrested for throwing a rock at people, and later for punching someone else.
Verb
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The video shows the panicked deer backing itself into a corner, slamming itself against the building and retaining wall.
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Diplo has taken a similarly direct approach — by slamming artists who oppose using the technology.
Verb
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Larry Hayes, 86, and Bill Moniz, 79, hit the tennis courts in Mountain View three to four times a week — whacking balls across the net as teammates for one to three hours a week.
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And the crowd clearly expected that pucks whacking the nets would be at a premium in this series, too.
Cite this Entry
“Bonking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonking. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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