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

Think subtle white hooks for a light-colored curtain, or even ones with small crystal detailing. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Calendars, key hooks, magnetic memo boards and chalk or whiteboard surfaces all help keep busy households on track. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 In a small entryway, Reynolds says hooks for coats and bags are an excellent alternative to a bulky piece of furniture. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 8 Aug. 2026 The inside of a cabinet door is a good place to mount a spice rack or hooks. — Kelsey Mulvey, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2026 On Podium, Cheekface dial up both the hooks and the sociopolitical dread, but absurdist humor remains their defense mechanism for a world spiraling out of control. — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 3 Aug. 2026 Extensive testing has ruled out several possible causes, including lead poisoning, cancer and metal objects such as fishing hooks. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 1 Aug. 2026 It has also been thoughtfully designed, with removable cargo hooks that more cars should provide. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2026 There’s even a coordinating towel bar and wall hooks for those in search of a matchy-matchy look. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 20 July 2026

Verb

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 Mark Lanier, a lawyer for the plaintiff, questioned Mosseri on Wednesday about whether Instagram chooses profits over the health and safety of minors and whether Mosseri oversees an app that hooks younger users. — Samantha Delouya, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hooks

Noun

The Raiders are off Sunday before returning Monday morning, so their starting quarterback and star pass rusher will compete against each other again, though, Kubiak hopes, without any punches.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
The welcoming rum punches were a nice introduction to the soft life that this resort offers you upon entry.

— Datwon Thomas, VIBE.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of punches

Verb

Black is the vice president of the 211 System Strategy, a helpline supported by the United Way that connects people to food aid, mental health services, transportation and more.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026
The famous Bosphorus Strait—which connects the Black Sea in the North to Sea of Marmara in the South, dividing Istanbul’s East and West sides—is filled with a constant flow of boats going about their business.

— CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of connects

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

Verb

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
As the piano arches into a sparkling glissando, a harp follows suit, carving out space for a light, airy synthesizer drone to materialize.

— Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 13 July 2026