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
  • Cody Lawrence also said a pocketknife fell out of his sweatshirt during the struggle, so his father may have been stabbed.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • My grandfather, PopPop, is 99 and still shucks oysters using a bandana draped over one hand and a pocketknife in the other.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 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 hijackers used small knives to threaten passengers, attack crew members and seize the planes.
    — Rio Yamat, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Prosecutors said the first victim needed specialty surgery to remove the knife from his back, and Grunhaus was also hospitalized with serious injuries.
    — Alexa Herrera, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of knife
Noun
  • Like all funny writers, Park is attentive to form, and uses headers and other formal shifts to get in little jokes and control his pacing.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Navarro scored again in the 51st minute with a header for a 2-1 lead.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of header
Noun
  • This was discontinued when SOE chiefs realized that a dagger would be the first thing taken from a prisoner.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The painting, now owned by MoMA, shows a mélange of people—soldiers, civilians, field workers—and animals, as well as daggers.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of dagger
Noun
  • The head coach lauded improvements from the offensive line, said the running game got better in the second half and refused to throw receiver Romeo Doubs under the bus, noting that drops sometimes happen.
    — Chad Graff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Diamond drop earrings and rings, and a long crescent moon necklace, draped directly against her décolletage and plunging neckline.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Chris Cooper, a political scientist at Western Carolina University (of no relation to the candidate), sometimes jokes that Roy Cooper is like Mister Rogers, if Mister Rogers carried a switchblade.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
  • If the trade does go through as is, then other questions about the Raptors sprout up — namely, what is to come of RJ Barrett, the 26-year-old switchblade entering the final season of his contract and eligible for an extension this summer.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of switchblade
Noun
  • Gap Large Canvas Five Pocket Tote Two slip pockets outside, two slip pockets inside, a laptop-friendly capacity, and a 100-percent cotton canvas composition.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Gizelle might’ve been spared the shade at the drag show, but Lisa Wu gets it head-on as Nene goes on about how inconsequential both the slip-up and Lisa’s feelings about it are.
    — Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 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 14 Sep. 2026.

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