1
as in bending
to cause to turn away from a straight line
the pitcher hooked the ball, and the batter missed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in connecting
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 stealing
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 grabbing
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
I hooked the biggest fish of the day, and then released it
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5
as in curving
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
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Recent Examples of hooking
The rescuer takes two trips, hooking each passenger up to a line, then hoisting them from the beach, the video shows.
—
Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
By then Carolina had extended its advantage to two thanks again to Jarvis, who capitalized on the visitors’ third power play – hooking by Jackson LaCombe – with a one-time wrist shot from the right circle for his sixth goal of the season.
—Josh Gross, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
With deals on Apple AirPods, Vera Bradley bags, Neutrogena makeup wipes, and Dreo portable space heaters, Amazon is hooking you up for the fall, winter, and beyond.
—Shalwah Evans, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Encased in a glossy synth-pop tune, producers Max Martin and Shellback lace the lyrics with a melody as addictive as a narcotic, hooking listeners from the start.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Since it’s widely recognized that this area of the plane doesn’t often get much love from cleaners, this genius tech organizer is the best alternative, hooking onto your tray table and providing pockets for your tablet, phone, headphones, and more.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
After hooking his tee shot into trees on the adjacent 16th hole, Scheffler punched out, walked back to the 18th fairway, and shot over tents and trees to land 40 feet from the flag.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Daniella Segura, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2025
By then Carolina had extended its advantage to two thanks again to Jarvis, who capitalized on the visitors’ third power play – hooking by Jackson LaCombe – with a one-time wrist shot from the right circle for his sixth goal of the season.
—Josh Gross, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
With deals on Apple AirPods, Vera Bradley bags, Neutrogena makeup wipes, and Dreo portable space heaters, Amazon is hooking you up for the fall, winter, and beyond.
—Shalwah Evans, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Encased in a glossy synth-pop tune, producers Max Martin and Shellback lace the lyrics with a melody as addictive as a narcotic, hooking listeners from the start.
—Bryan West, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
Since it’s widely recognized that this area of the plane doesn’t often get much love from cleaners, this genius tech organizer is the best alternative, hooking onto your tray table and providing pockets for your tablet, phone, headphones, and more.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025
After hooking his tee shot into trees on the adjacent 16th hole, Scheffler punched out, walked back to the 18th fairway, and shot over tents and trees to land 40 feet from the flag.
—Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hooking
Verb
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Live action and animation come together in mind-bending ways, in service of the titular mystery.—
The Atlantic Culture Desk,
The Atlantic,
29 Oct. 2025
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Researchers validated the structure using finite element method (FEM) simulations to check how stress distributes during bending.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In recent days, the grassroots effort has spread, as messages offering and seeking assistance are cut, copied and pasted throughout communities big and small, connecting neighbors and finding those in need tangible help.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
29 Oct. 2025
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Their apartment was four blocks from the bridge, the main artery connecting her to many parts of the city.—
Laura Trujillo,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The sign-stealing scandal of the Houston Astros [who beat the Dodgers in the 2017 World Series].—
Alison Weinflash,
Rolling Stone,
31 Oct. 2025
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What was once a guilty-pleasure show for the whole family to enjoy has since captivated audiences through a refreshing social media strategy and stars like Robert Irwin, who is totally stealing hearts on the dance floor and our phone screens.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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These are especially useful for taking public transport, grabbing a quick coffee, or leaving a small tip at a restaurant.—
Asia London Palomba,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
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Peterson led the way, scoring 26 points — 24 before halftime — and grabbing four rebounds.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Indecisive defending around the edge of the box and an unconvincing header by Maxim De Cuyper led to Matheus Cunha giving United a 24th-minute lead against the run of play with a curving shot.—
Andy Naylor,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
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The ethereal structure comprises 297 stainless steel panels that had to be carefully fitted together and integrated with the curving staircases, whose wood elements evoke a ship’s deck.—
Blane Bachelor,
AFAR Media,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Avoid lifting too high and arching your back.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
23 Oct. 2025
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Iza emerged from its arching French front doors as Childs exited his car.—
Jesse Hyde,
Rolling Stone,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In terms of strategics, the growing media and entertainment trend of integrating physical park assets into cross-platform media ecosystems makes the industry a logical candidate.—
Kenneth Squire,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
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With a packed card, integrating brand new signings might be challenging, suggesting their debuts could be held off until regular NXT television episodes resume post-event.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In a world where people have grown increasingly accustomed to finding love by swiping right or left, this little Irish town and its festival offers something different.—
Bernadette Keith,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Oct. 2025
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Thanks to the new ‘Hi-Five’ rule, which penalizes defenders for swiping at hands following through, and re-emphasizes contact to shooters’ legs, Curry shot nine free throws in the first half, all makes, and ended up with 13 attempts from the foul line overall.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hooking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hooking. Accessed 1 Nov. 2025.
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