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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hook
Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 20 June 2026
The tech-versus-toys angle lands hard with parents and older Gen Z, creating a surprisingly thoughtful emotional hook instead of just nostalgia bait.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2026
Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
And after that first World Cup, he was hooked.
—Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hook
Noun
If swapping is an option, install towel hooks so each towel has its own spot for drying and can hang nicely.
—Emily Benda Gaylord, The Spruce, 20 June 2026
The tech-versus-toys angle lands hard with parents and older Gen Z, creating a surprisingly thoughtful emotional hook instead of just nostalgia bait.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 19 June 2026
Verb
The barrier to entry is low, but the ceiling is high enough to keep players hooked.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 18 June 2026
And after that first World Cup, he was hooked.
—Nicole Pajer, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hook
Noun
-
Emotionally, militarily, even symbolically, this is a devastating blow to the Black Queen and her cause.—
Sean T. Collins,
Vulture,
22 June 2026
-
When Lucerys refuses, Aemond chases Lucerys on his dragon, seemingly meaning to injure him rather than kill him, but his dragon, Vhagar, delivers a fatal blow to Rhaenyra’s son.—
Skyler Trepel,
PEOPLE,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
Economists studying the former Soviet bloc saw oligarchs graduate from bending the rules to buying them outright.—
Gautam Mukunda,
Mercury News,
20 June 2026
-
Such tasks are particularly challenging for automation because the cables can bend, twist, and shift position dynamically during transport, requiring continuous perception, adaptation, and precise manipulation.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
Throughout the season, viewers see a musician struggling to connect.—
Precious Fondren,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2026
-
Brand-new neighboring sister property Lopesan Splash Cove Resort, Spa, and Casino is also a great pick for big families, with family accommodations that include connecting rooms and two-bedroom suites.—
Chelsea Adams,
USA Today,
20 June 2026
Verb
-
Bald eagle are also known to scavenge for food and carrion, even stealing from other hunting birds mid-flight.—
Madeline Gunderson,
USA Today,
19 June 2026
-
The show was canceled that year, after Mencia was accused of stealing material from other comedians.—
Jessica Schladebeck,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2026
Verb
-
There is an art to cutting a cantaloupe, which starts long before grabbing the knife and cutting board.—
Alexandra Frost,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
-
Schmidt can be forgiven for making this headline-grabbing prediction.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
Verb
-
The innovative Panoramic Display consists of a 48-inch screen curving from door to door along the base of the windshield.—
Robert Duffer,
AJC.com,
19 June 2026
-
If choosing a pair without a headband, consider a model that has curved temples or a frame made of rubber.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
18 June 2026
Noun
-
Deidre Hall delivered her most shocking slap yet on live TV on June 19.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
20 June 2026
-
Only a few minutes earlier, Abulaila endured an inadvertent slap to his throat by Arnautovic on a pass into the box.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Choose grasses with tall, arching stems to set off the upright dahlia form.—
Andy Wilcox,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 June 2026
-
Lower back discomfort or tightness might be due to arching of your back, or your back muscles tacking on too much of the work to overcompensate for a lack of hip strength or control.—
Christa Sgobba,
Health,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hook. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
