chinks 1 of 2

Definition of chinksnext
plural of chink
1
as in backs
a vulnerable point before the tournament she studied tapes of her chief rival, looking for the chink in her game

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2
as in fissures
an irregular usually narrow break in a surface created by pressure plugged the chinks in the walls with mortar

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chinks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of chink
as in clinks
to make a repeated sharp light ringing sound in the breeze the flag's chain chinked against the flagpole

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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 chinks
Noun
Does the bazaar allow for chinks in the kind of class barriers that would usually exist? Cressida Leyshon, New Yorker, 23 Nov. 2025 But after the break, the Americans started to find some chinks in the English armour. Peter Carline, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chinks
Noun
  • Over his 12-year NFL career, Mathieu became regarded as one of the league's premier defensive backs.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 31 Jan. 2026
  • On the defensive side, Miami has also agreed to terms with defensive backs coach Ryan Downard, cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae and linebackers coach Al Washington.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The peak of Yosemite’s granite wall is higher than the tallest building in the world and requires climbers to navigate a maze of fissures, crevices and cracks.
    Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2026
  • The fatal shooting sparked demonstrations nationwide and has deepened fissures between federal and state officials.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 20 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Each robot, remotely operated, clinks glasses and gestures in unison, embodying the camaraderie and hope of the musical’s revolutionaries.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • These nocturnal insects are often found in warmer climates and can hide in household cracks, crevices, or even bedding.
    Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
  • However, tucked within the crevices of this history, like always, are Black people and the things our experience plant and our politics grow.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Once Woll’s bratty vamp was through draining jugulars, the actress found a second signature role as Karen Page on Marvel’s Daredevil (2015–2018).
    Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rather than just showing these thinkers reciting their greatest hits, the longform discussions showcase all of the contradictions (and occasional rifts) between members of the same movement.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 26 Jan. 2026
  • And perhaps just as importantly, Adelman’s primary assessment of the first 41 games was that the depth hasn’t created any rifts over playing time.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 15 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Applause rings out, cheers and whoops are abundant.
    Matt Woosnam, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Payton’s perception of him then rings true in the present.
    Trevor Woods, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Chinks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chinks. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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