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.
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Recent Examples of hook
Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Unfortunately, Barrymore seemingly let Randolph off the hook and didn’t press her on exactly what her co-star replied.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
Her mouth fell open and her fingers hooked over her lower teeth.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hook
Noun
The kit is intended for beginner crocheters and includes yarn, needles, custom eyes that can be installed in the plush toy, and Derpy and Sussie-themed crochet hooks.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026
Unfortunately, Barrymore seemingly let Randolph off the hook and didn’t press her on exactly what her co-star replied.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Both teams are down a player early due to penalties early in the second period with Auston Matthews drawing a two-minute penalty for hooking.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 20 Feb. 2026
Her mouth fell open and her fingers hooked over her lower teeth.
—Gail Sheehy, Vanity Fair, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hook
Noun
-
The 6-3 ruling is a major blow to Trump's economic policy agenda.—
Kristin Wright,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2026
-
In another blow for the former prince, the British government is considering formally removing him from the line of succession to the crown.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The researchers found that the cells retained mechanical integrity under bending, stretching, and compression.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Her legs bent horribly, as if in flight, one from the other.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The labyrinth of pathways connects guests to both the various outdoor spaces and grand buildings that house the 156 rooms and villas, including the main building where the majority of the hotel’s dining and drinking options are located.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The bridge connecting Long Island City, Queens, and the Upper East Side was officially renamed the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge in 2011.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
With a 125-122 lead and the ball in the closing seconds, James threw a dangerous cross-court pass intended for Doncic that Nicolas Batum stole.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
The action comes as a trial is approaching in a federal corruption case in which several former union executives — among them ousted International President Newton Jones — are charged with allegedly scheming to steal $20 million in union funds.—
Judy L. Thomas,
Kansas City Star,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
On Friday night, Harry and Meghan grabbed dinner at Funke in Beverly Hills, where Meghan celebrated her 44th birthday last August.—
Rachel Burchfield,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Man, like when your hair starts grabbing at your collar.—
John Nogowski,
Hartford Courant,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The two swivel chairs have curved backs that gently rock back and forth, along with plush seat and back cushions.—
Melanie Fincher,
Better Homes & Gardens,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Instead of allover stripes, expect to see razor-thin metallic stripes (like the barcode nail trend coming out of South Korea), curved bands that arc diagonally across a sheer base, or contrasting matte and gloss stripes layered in the same shade for a barely-there effect.—
Annie Blay-Tettey,
Allure,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The two slowly approached each other and Diabate put his head down to butt up against Duren’s forehead, leading to Duren taking a slap and swipe at Diabate.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Feb. 2026
-
In this world, items are paid for by receiving slaps to the face.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Under blistering examination from plaintiff’s attorney Mark Lanier, who called him as an adverse witness, the Meta chief looked visibly irritated at times, arching his eyebrows and shifting in his chair as he was confronted with a string of internal emails and slide decks.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Growing about two feet tall and three feet wide, its delicate blades arch and flutter in the breeze to great effect.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hook. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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