clunker

noun

ˈkləŋ-kər How to pronounce clunker (audio)
Definition of clunkernext
1
as in crate
a dilapidated old automobile she drove a clunker because she couldn't afford anything better

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in disaster
something that has failed a real clunker, the movie was soon littering the shelves of video stores everywhere

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 clunker Same goes for Sonny Gray (two quality starts, two 4-inning clunkers), Ranger Suarez and Brayan Bello (both two bad games followed by a gem). — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026 The first win came in spite of Embiid’s absence and George’s 2-for-10 clunker, as Maxey had a 30-piece and Edgecombe added 23 points. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 4 May 2026 Perhaps the 6-11 clunker was inevitable in some ways after five Super Bowl appearances in six seasons — and three straight — left the Chiefs playing 19 postseason games in that span. — Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2026 The team really made their clunker count, getting blasted 4-0 at home by El Paso Locomotive FC on Saturday. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 12 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clunker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clunker
  1. crate
  2. disaster
  3. failure
  4. disappointment
  5. loser
  6. catastrophe
Noun
  • The witness believed the crates contained gold, though their contents could not be confirmed.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
  • When evening falls, situate your dog or cat in a quiet room, potentially with their crate.
    — Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of crate
Noun
  • Rodríguez said numerous public officials died in the disaster, including security personnel, municipal employees and military officers.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
  • The Boyle Heights blaze, similar to the Eaton and Palisades fires, has revealed the region’s air monitoring can’t always tell people what they’ve been exposed to in a disaster.
    — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of disaster
Noun
  • According to Castillo, one of the most significant failures has been the tendency to treat many squatter complaints as civil disputes rather than criminal investigations.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
  • Spence also appears to be absorbing the blame for broader failures, with Thomas Tuchel’s touchline frustrations obvious and — for a player still establishing himself at this level — that scrutiny is unlikely to help.
    — Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of failure
Noun
  • In the 30 years following the tune’s release, disappointment has only continued to plague the Three Lions.
    — Fisher Isbell, AJC.com, 2 July 2026
  • The crowd was filled with Knicks fans, many of whom bought tickets from 76ers’ supporters who were accustomed to postseason disappointment.
    — Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of disappointment
Noun
  • The losers are the automakers still leaving accessories to the dealer, where the margin quietly bleeds away.
    — Sarwant Singh, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • That is a big risk investors take when trying to find the winners and losers within the biotech sector.
    — Jay Woods, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • In the work of fiction, the ship is taken over to prevent catastrophe.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 5 July 2026
  • The young girls are referred to as Heaven’s 27 by their surviving families, who are determined to honor their legacy by ensuring such a catastrophe never happens again.
    — Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Definition of catastrophe

Browse Nearby Words

clunked
clunker
clunkers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clunker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clunker. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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