HITS Synonyms: 266 Similar and Opposite Words

hits 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hit

as in knocks

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

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Relevance

as in bumps

to come into usually forceful contact with something when she fell on the ice, she hit hard and badly bruised her elbow

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in wins

to obtain (as a goal) through effort the rock band hit "the big time" with their third album

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hits

2 of 2

noun

plural of hit

as in successes

a person or thing that is successful the new babysitter turned out to be a hit with the kids

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in blows

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

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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 hits

Verb

Punk fought Rhodes off the top rope and hits flying elbow for a two-count. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 For buyers who simply want an affordable EV that drives well, charges quickly, fits into normal life, and doesn't require six figures of disposable income, the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt hits a sweet spot few competitors manage. — New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026 History, the late literary critic Fredric Jameson did not quite say, is what hits you in the head. — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 Zara Larsson hits the stage at the Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago on July 31. — People Staff, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026 Tucson is slowly moving on from Guthrie’s abduction as the unsolved case hits the half-year mark, with few answers to who may have taken her ― or why. — Stephanie Murray, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 Amid a season marred by struggles, Kyle Tucker hits home runs in back-to-back games to help the Dodgers secure a series win over the New York Mets. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026 Made right, this dish hits all the high notes for a nutritious breakfast. — Randi Gollin, Martha Stewart, 26 July 2026 Finding a solution to a big problem When Apgar hits, the nub catches the impact of contact while the left hand finishes the swing. — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Noun

Perkins allowed six runs and nine hits in 5 1-3 innings as the A's have lost 11th straight series for just the third time in the last 110 seasons. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026 Springs allowed four hits, five walks and two runs in four innings and fell to 0-11 in his last 18 starts. — CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 He was pulled after giving up back-to-back hits with one out in the fourth to put runners on the corners. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026 Mize also had a quality start, allowing just one run across six innings while scattering three hits. — Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026 Holmes threw 51 pitches over 2 1/3 innings that night, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks. — Tim Britton, New York Times, 25 July 2026 Hudson, who has been one of the top relievers this season for the Sox, allowed four runs on three hits with one strikeout and one walk in two-thirds of an inning while suffering the loss. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hits

Verb

Max knocks on the door, a strange formality for a man about to burn the boat down to the waterline.

— JP Mangalindan, Time, 31 July 2026
The Petco cashier with the cat named Rebecca knocks on the hood of my car.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

Definition of knocks

Verb

Did join Kylian Mbappe and Ferenc Puskas as one of only three players to score a European Cup knockout-phase brace against Barcelona at Camp Nou, which bumps him up the list a bit.

— Tim Spiers, New York Times, 26 May 2026
The department bumps the call to a higher-priority response (Priority 1) due to the potential for violence.

— Teri Figueroa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026

Definition of bumps

Verb

In the end, the race was only going to one rider, Wiebes, who now has seven Tour de France Femmes stage wins – a record since the race returned in 2022.

— Jessica Hopkins, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
Beyer’s district is deep-blue, meaning whoever wins the Democratic primary is likely a shoo-in to defeat GOP nominee Tony Sabio in November.

— Molly Parks, The Washington Examiner, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of wins

Noun

Investors are also curious to hear more about the Starship rocket launches after some hurdles – and successes – in July.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Investing in areas across finance, technology and real estate, as well as diverse sustainability initiatives in areas such as urban development and renewable energy, requires constant reinvention, rather than remaining focused on past successes.

— David Henkin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of successes

Verb

Helmut Haller, West Germany vs England, 1966 Ray Wilson misjudges his headed clearance, Haller gathers it on the edge of the box and, just before Bobby Moore can close him down, slaps a right-footed shot into the far corner.

— Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Wilhelm enters the room, removes most of his clothing and gets into bed with her, slaps her, pushes her away and then caresses her face and cradles her.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2026

Definition of slaps

Verb

Ideally, over time, these outcomes accumulate into a repository of actioned and labeled data that reflects how an organization identifies risk, prioritizes responses and achieves successful resolutions.

— Terrence McCrossan, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
The crust achieves that perfect balance of char and chew, and the toppings are minimal but impeccable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026