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

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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

The collection of minor hits and near-misses from the 1960s blended rough edges and euphoric hooks. — Steve Appleford, SPIN, 25 Aug. 2026 Lots of seemingly brave souls have submitted once activists got their hooks in them. — Matt Calkins Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026 That’s because hooks can cause towels to hunch or sit in a position that can trap moisture rather than air it out. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026 Command hooks and a step stool, since most dorms don’t allow nails. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026 Why the organization aisle is easy to miss Small bins, drawer organizers, baskets, hooks and labels often sit in a section many shoppers walk past without a second look. — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026 Give me three alternative hooks for the opening line—each should stop a reader mid-scroll, and each should take a different approach. — Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026 Over-the-door organizers and hooks can store laundry bags and hangers without eating into floor space. — Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 16 Aug. 2026 Think subtle white hooks for a light-colored curtain, or even ones with small crystal detailing. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026

Verb

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 Marketing experts say while more and more cash is flowing into the clip-ification of all things, those watching the content can view clips as cheap and disposable moments, not something that hooks someone on a show or internet personality. — Bobby Allyn, NPR, 12 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hooks

Noun

No punches were thrown, and Oruwariye and Knight were separated quickly.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
During Monday’s press conference, Bessent sought to tamp down on criticism that the administration was pulling its punches.

— Christian Datoc, The Washington Examiner, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of punches

Verb

Wood is a naturally porous material that bends and expands with changes in temperature and moisture.

— Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026
Gravity is pulling your body toward the next step, requiring your quadriceps to work eccentrically to help control how quickly your knee bends to lower your body.

— Dana Santas, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bends

Verb

Jones, who is from Boise, Idaho, learned about a program through his internship supervisor that connects people with extra rooms in their homes with other adults looking for a place to live.

— Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Launched in 2023, her app connects users for in-person group activities like yoga and language exchanges, simplifying the process of forming new friendships.

— Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of connects

Verb

First inning, Shohei Ohtani walks, steals second, jogs to third on a single by Freddie Freeman, scores on a grounder by Mookie Betts.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Aug. 2026
The meat is front and center, but mingling a toston or a spoonful of rice in the pork juices with the salsa verde steals the show.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of steals

Verb

Uganda, a country that curves around Lake Victoria, took on a completely different shape.

— Eleanor Jacobs, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
Tumon Bay, the island’s main resort district, curves in a sweep of gorgeous waters backed by limestone cliffs and a skyline of hotels that reflect Guam’s long‑standing popularity with Japanese and Korean travelers.

— David Dickstein, Oc Register, 17 June 2026

Definition of curves

Noun

The impact of yesterday’s sharp drop in South Korean equities transmitted further into US markets overnight, spreading selling sentiment and dealing heavy blows to US semiconductor and memory stocks.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Guevera also reportedly came to blows with Eddie Kingston in 2022, leading to Kingston’s suspension.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026