as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
delivered a hard right hook that struck his opponent in the eye
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
as in to bend
to cause to turn away from a straight line
the pitcher hooked the ball, and the batter missed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to connect
to put or bring together so as to form a new and longer whole
hooked up three short chains together to make a longer necklace
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to steal
to take (something) without right and with an intent to keep
the monkey hooked four bananas from the basket and scampered away to enjoy them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
I hooked the biggest fish of the day, and then released it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to curve
to turn away from a straight line or course
hang the bird feeder on a branch that hooks upward
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 hook
Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
The main hook was its more layered and mature take on the lore surrounding the character and the more fantastical mythology built around this specific story.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 June 2025
Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The concept hooks patrons by crafting sandwiches with gourmet nods yet wide appeal — like the Sausage & Pear (sooo tasty) or even a Massaman Curry Vegan Banh Mi.
—Michael Deeds
july 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hook
Noun
Other worthwhile features include a back-zip pocket with a hidden hook that attaches to fences, a magnetic shoulder strap that can also be worn across the back and optional monogram embroidery.
—Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 30 June 2025
The main hook was its more layered and mature take on the lore surrounding the character and the more fantastical mythology built around this specific story.
—Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
For each one, rewrite the opening line or hook using 3 different psychological angles: curiosity gap, bold statement, or counterintuitive claim.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
The concept hooks patrons by crafting sandwiches with gourmet nods yet wide appeal — like the Sausage & Pear (sooo tasty) or even a Massaman Curry Vegan Banh Mi.
—Michael Deeds
july 3, Idaho Statesman, 3 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hook
Noun
-
Pang’s departure is a blow to Apple’s AI ambitions and comes amid internal scrutiny of its AI strategy, which has so far failed to match the capabilities fielded by rival tech companies, leaving Apple dependent on third-party AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
-
The news was not only a blow to Lilly but also a surprise to millions using Zepbound on Caremark plans, who are now questioning how to move forward.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
Washing Charlie in the upstairs bathtub left the house covered in dirt and required his humans to bend over, straining their backs.—
The Washington Post,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 June 2025
-
Plant it in full sun and near a natural wind barrier, such as a fence, building, or larger plantings, to keep the plants from bending over.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
27 June 2025
Verb
-
Plenty of big names have been connected as possible targets for the Packers.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 July 2025
-
This mitigates risks connected with material substitutions and the use fake textiles by subsuppliers, in addition to easing custom clearance and avoiding import bans.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
This attack works through thousands of dangerous websites, stealing credit card or PayPal details as soon as they’re entered.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
In a near-future Kolkata, ravaged by climate change, one family is about to escape, until their visas are stolen.—
Literary Hub
July 1,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
Verb
-
Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
12 July 2025
-
To find your nearest 7-Eleven and grab a free Slurpee, search the store locator on 7-Eleven's website.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
11 July 2025
Verb
-
Instead of straight paths, employ a curving pathway to reveal one part of the garden at a time.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 July 2025
-
Bad Idea occupies more than 5,000 square feet of space, with 25-foot curving ceilings and tall windows that welcome in the fading light as the sun sets.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Those embarrassing losses with ownership sitting in the expensive seats were a big-time slap in the face to the decision makers.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
-
The number of girl slaps exchanged between the governor and Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez over the state budget impasse.—
Pat Beall,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2025
Verb
-
Give them a container with room to grow, and the arching stems will eventually reach 18 inches in height.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
-
The national park is characterized by gently rising hills with low-growing vegetation, as well as forested areas where stone bridges arch over small rivers.—
Mike Nolan,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hook. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share