jackknife

noun

Definition of jackknifenext
1
as in pocketknife

Related Words

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2
as in belly flop

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 jackknife The senior jackknife had a 10-yard rushing TD, then a punt return for a TD to give the Eagles a 14-12 lead. — Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Singh allegedly made a U-turn in an unauthorized area on the Florida Turnpike, causing his truck to jackknife and collide with a minivan. — Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025 An investigation shows that a semi-truck pulling tandem trailers hydroplaned, causing the driver to lose control and the semi to jackknife. — Sam Gillette, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 The semi then crashed into two other 18-wheelers, causing one to jackknife and hit a Jeep Compass, Ford Mustang and Honda, officials with DPS told WFAA-TV. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for jackknife
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jackknife
  1. pocketknife
  2. belly flop
  3. knife
  4. header
  5. dagger
  6. drop
  7. switchblade
  8. slip
Noun
  • Police allegedly found a pocketknife on him and a gun in the vehicle.
    — Mamie Bah, CBS News, 30 June 2026
  • Brown, 34, could face the death penalty in the killing of Zarutska, who was stabbed from behind with a pocketknife while seated and looking at her phone in an unprovoked attack on August 22, 2025.
    — Andy Buck, CNN Money, 9 June 2026
Definition of pocketknife
Noun
  • On splashdown, the rocket tipped over and belly flopped into the sea as expected, broke apart and exploded as left over propellants ignited.
    — William Harwood, CBS News, 22 May 2026
  • Maybe that Great White shark out there did a big ol' belly flop?
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of belly flop
Noun
  • The descriptions of the perpetrators, many of whom carried a knife, were often eerily similar; several were roughly the same height, weight and race.
    — ProPublica, ProPublica, 14 July 2026
  • An 18-year-old man accused of using a knife, sword and ax to murder his stepfather was formally charged on Monday.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of knife
Noun
  • Just before halftime, van Persie slipped past the Spanish defensive line to receive a long-range pass from teammate Daley Blind and looped the ball over Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas with a first-time diving header that amazed the audience.
    — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 July 2026
  • First, an Enzo Fernández header in the 85th minute equalized before a Lautaro Martínez header in stoppage time proved to be the game-winning goal.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 15 July 2026
Definition of header
Noun
  • Damon can be as crisp an orator as any actor now working, but his performance here reminds you why Jason Bourne, moving stealthily through a crowd like a sheathed dagger, remains one of his defining roles.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 17 July 2026
  • Weary of seeing people pick their teeth with daggers, Cardinal Richelieu has knives blunted in royal France.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of dagger
Noun
  • Every drop hits like a quake, and each muscular beat compels you to shake your ass.
    — Kiana Mickles, Pitchfork, 17 July 2026
  • The ride reaches speeds of 95 mph, climbs 325 feet into the air and has an 81-degree drop.
    — Catherine Muccigrosso July 17, Charlotte Observer, 17 July 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • It’s been a quarter century since the mostly Canadian supergroup New Pornographers sprang from the florid imagination of Carl Newman, a pop savant with an angel’s voice and switchblade wit.
    — Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Forrest removed the cap of one and found a switchblade.
    — James Verini, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
Definition of switchblade
Noun
  • Madewell Airy Denim Slip Midi Skirt For a less body-hugging fit, check out this slip style.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • Warsh had few, if any, major slip-ups amid intense questioning from Democrats — and supportive commentary from Republicans — in back-to-back days of testimony before the House and Senate on Tuesday and Wednesday.
    — Matt Peterson, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of slip

Browse Nearby Words

jacking (up)
jackknife
jackknives
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jackknife.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackknife. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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