HOOKS Synonyms: 293 Similar and Opposite Words

hooks 1 of 2

noun

plural of hook

as in punches

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

hooks

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hook

as in bends

to cause to turn away from a straight line the pitcher hooked the ball, and the batter missed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in connects

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

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as in steals

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

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as in grabs

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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as in curves

to turn away from a straight line or course hang the bird feeder on a branch that hooks upward

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

straightens

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 hooks

Noun

His lyrics, his hooks, his unmistakable voice, his optimism, his belief in the power of a simple song to make people feel good. — Chris Willman, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026 Custom hooks, two-tone rounded laces and a co-branded metallic buckle secure the upper of the fresh shoe style. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026 Strong positioning should remain consistent, while headlines, imagery, offers, creative formats, opening hooks and calls to action become opportunities to learn how buyers respond. — Matt Jayson, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026 The architectural design guidance starts with simple hooks but escalates to slim racks sized for pot lids, foil boxes and plastic wrap. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026 The temples are thin metal arms that thicken toward the ends with plastic enclosures over the ear hooks that hold the glasses’ speakers, charging connector, and other components. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026 Those who want to take the Chuk box's functionality even further can add compatible accessories like the paper towel holder, garbage bag ring, lantern hanger, utensil organizer, storage hooks and cutting board. — New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2026 This full-length mirror cabinet displays over 100 pieces via specialized hooks, earring racks, ring slots, and shelves. — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026 Most regional biologists, however, say the overall population of cutthroat trout, even with all those hooks in the water, are doing just fine. — Christine Peterson, Outdoor Life, 23 Sep. 2026

Verb

Chrysalis hooks its clients up with social services and teaches them how to write a resume, navigate online job listings and handle an interview. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026 Right before guests arrive, attach fishing line to the wire cage and hang the fall flower arrangement using cup hooks indoors or on nearby branches outside. — Maria Sabella, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026 Blatt hooks in a forehand for another match point opportunity, but Campbell wins an amazing rally for 22-22. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Earbuds Deal The Soundcore C50i open-ear earbuds feature a clip-on FlexiClip design that hooks securely over your ear without blocking your ear canal. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026 The news hooks her further into wanting something out of a vulnerable situation. — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 23 July 2026 Ceiling hooks for fishing rods, cargo door for two bikes, spray hose for cleaning gear and heated locker for drying it. — Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026 How Many Calories Rucking Burns The calorie math is what hooks many newcomers, particularly men in their 40s trying to recapture lost ground. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026 Armour hooks my arm, and the panic abates. — Adam Erace, Fortune, 24 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hooks

Noun

However, this is a stellar opportunity to dig into excellent, authentic Thai dishes (no punches held on sour or spice), and the Thai Wok Omelet with blue crab and morning glory at breakfast is exceedingly memorable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The fight took a physical toll on LaPenna The physical side of the fight became pretty clear once LaPenna started trading punches with the robots.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of punches

Verb

Keeping time is a natural theme for the novel, and Li bends it to her will, often flashing forward to reveal events in her characters’ futures.

— Radhika Jones, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Phoebe Bridgers, in her first film role, pulls off an uncanny transformation as a decoy who bends lines of age and gender.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of bends

Verb

In Busan, Kim wants to meet international co-producers and financiers as well as programmers from festivals abroad, and to test whether the film’s theme connects with audiences beyond Korea.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Oct. 2026
Spanning 40 miles as the crow flies, the Suwalki Gap is a corridor of land, running along the Polish/Lithuanian border, that connects the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to Belarus.

— Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of connects

Verb

But for all the resort’s creature comforts, nature still steals the show.

— Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026
The usual answer to this has been to rely on nuclear power to make it through the night, but there is an alternative that steals a page from Earth's playbook.

— David Szondy October 07, New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of steals

Verb

Ukiah to Boonville Head southwest on Highway 253, a two-lane road that curves through a dense forest.

— Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2026
Out front, a striking carport canopy dramatically curves over the angled driveway, suspended by slender steel support columns.

— Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of curves

Noun

Ditka and Ryan had an often adversarial relationship, with the two nearly coming to blows during halftime of the team's only 1985 season loss, to the Miami Dolphins.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
Even with a human controlling the machine remotely, LaPenna was still trading blows with a heavy metal robot capable of putting real force behind its movements.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of blows

Verb

The ceiling arches in the back, hiding a tiny alcove where a couple sits tucked close, their legs tangled beneath the table.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
The galaxy arches high across the sky, with its brightest and most detailed regions now well placed after dusk.

— Jamie Carter, Space.com, 7 Aug. 2026