1
as in to knock
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
a good carpenter hits a nail just two or three times to drive it in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to bump
to come into usually forceful contact with something
when she fell on the ice, she hit hard and badly bruised her elbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to achieve
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
the rock band hit "the big time" with their third album
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in success
a person or thing that is successful
the new babysitter turned out to be a hit with the kids
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
the quarterback can't take too many more hits like that and escape permanent injury
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to find
to come upon after searching, study, or effort
the doctor finally hit on what was wrong with the pain-wracked woman
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to ask
to make a request of
she's always hitting me up for money
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to encounter
to come upon unexpectedly or by chance
the popular belief that Sir Isaac Newton hit upon his understanding of gravity at the sight of an apple falling from a tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 hit
Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Junior pitcher/outfielder Mia Balta hits out of the second spot in the order for Lincoln-Way East.
—Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
Murray’s single was his first career major-league hit.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hit
Verb
Boston finally got a real opportunity in the sixth after Caleb Durbin hit a lead off double, but the Red Sox once again weren’t able to capitalize.
—Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 18 Apr. 2026
Junior pitcher/outfielder Mia Balta hits out of the second spot in the order for Lincoln-Way East.
—Tony Baranek, Chicago Tribune, 18 Apr. 2026
Noun
Jordan dominated in the circle, conceding four hits and allowing one earned run while walking one and striking out six batters.
—Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Apr. 2026
Murray’s single was his first career major-league hit.
—Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hit
Noun
-
Though her political aspirations didn’t ultimately pan out, Ortega went on to find success in the entertainment industry by landing roles as early as 12, appearing on Jane the Virgin and Stuck in the Middle.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Continenza said success to him will mean continuing to improve finances and ensuring Kodak has a solid succession plan in place to continue its growth.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Sheehan managed to keep the Rockies from landing the big blow.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The Senate’s quick passage of the 10-day patch was starkly different than the House’s rare overnight session, during which House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) was dealt two consecutive blows.—
Hailey Bullis,
The Washington Examiner,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This year, that honor goes to NBC, which broadcast a blockbuster February with the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
Two members of the second generation developed the company’s first-ever blockbuster product, Ivory soap.—
Alexander Coolidge,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Kimmell gained the Ducks’ zone, faking a slap shot and then curling back toward the blue line to find a trailing Haula.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
8 Apr. 2026
-
The bearded blueliner has skated through the bumps and bruises that come with delivering checks and deflecting slap shots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
That’s not necessarily a knock on the Vividwise straps.—
Nathan Allen,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Apr. 2026
-
This isn’t a knock on any of the hot sauces’ flavors, of course.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Yankees need Wells to provide at least some thump in a bottom third of the order that hasn’t been very good.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Reigns hit Punk with a Superman punch.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Another day, as Mom loads the children into the car, Jeremy tosses a basketball against the house, again and again, his passive aggression registering through the ball’s unyielding thuds and his own frozen gaze.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The call, which the filing says was made within two minutes of the thuds, was to an employee of the company that owned the development where Okland was hosting the open house.—
Karen Cortes,
NBC news,
9 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hit. Accessed 22 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
