1
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
his constant rudeness and insensitivity made everyone think he was a real jerk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
1
as in to yank
to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion
I jerked to one side to avoid getting hit jerked the leash to get the dog's attention
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to twitch
to make jerky or restless movements
you've got to quit jerking, or the barber will nick you by accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
the car jerked with every shift of the gear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of jerk
Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
Vendors sold spicy dishes traditional to their countries like Jamaican jerk chicken and tacos from Mexico and the not-so-spicy, like raclette, a dish traditional to Switzerland, where molten cheese from a wheel of raclette cheese is poured over potatoes and other foods.
—Dominick Williams
august 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Perry appears to jerk uncontrollably while being lifted into the sky in footage posted after her Raleigh, North Carolina, performance on August 17.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jerk
Noun
In the meantime, the seafood-heavy menu at The Shelborne with dishes like red prawn ceviche or roasted grouper is a great option for dinner, while poolside dining offers more casual but delicious fare like conch fritters or a jerk smash burger.
—Elliott Harrell, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2025
Vendors sold spicy dishes traditional to their countries like Jamaican jerk chicken and tacos from Mexico and the not-so-spicy, like raclette, a dish traditional to Switzerland, where molten cheese from a wheel of raclette cheese is poured over potatoes and other foods.
—Dominick Williams
august 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
Tear-jerking purple prose designed to make a Baby Boomer nostalgic and sad.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 20 Aug. 2025
Perry appears to jerk uncontrollably while being lifted into the sky in footage posted after her Raleigh, North Carolina, performance on August 17.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jerk
Noun
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When the state attorney’s office steps in, the prosecution pushes back, resulting in a legal and political tug of war that thrusts Adnan’s case into chaotic uncertainty.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Several noted that his instinctive tug had likely prevented the pair from colliding with the elk.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
In fact, Labyrinth was yanked from some theaters less than a month after its release.—
Logan Karlie
September 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
-
After deciding to take his family to a tourist town for some fun in the sun, a minor encounter with local bullies yanks the family into the crosshairs of an unhinged, blood-thirsty crime boss (Sharon Stone), who is determined to derail his relaxation.—
Billie Melissa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Jones’ raw traits have always been jaw-dropping — a 6-foot-6 defensive end who can combine an edge rusher’s twitch with an interior lineman’s power.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
30 Aug. 2025
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Koberidze opens with a montage of cats, foot traffic, street dogs twitching in their sleep, statues and trees casting long shadows across buildings.—
Jessica Kiang,
Variety,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
On back-to-back pass plays, though, Ward held the ball too long and couldn’t shake the Broncos’ pass rush, resulting in back-to-back sacks that took the Titans outside field goal range.—
Nick Kosmider,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
-
After a while, the lady shook her head.—
Bryan Washington,
New Yorker,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Nationally, the most common dog breed is the Labrador retriever, but Arizona has a different favorite.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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This double-wide camp chair is quilted and comfortable, with durable 600D polyester fabric that holds up to weather, spills, and even a slobbery dog (or two) climbing aboard.—
Francesca Krempa,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Band Pull-Aparts Band pull-aparts are a safe and effective way to target the rear delts using a resistance band.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
8 Sep. 2025
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Somehow both spare and ornate, immersive and voyeuristic, The Silver Book has a pull that can’t be denied.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As bystanders watched, the luxury yacht lurched to one side, tilting dangerously before taking on water.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
4 Sep. 2025
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In the face of this onslaught, the alcohol industry’s efforts to make drinking popular again have lurched into paranoia.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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One night earlier, Cecconi tossed eight scoreless innings and carried a no-hitter through seven.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Move the ingredients to the hole and toss to cover them with the sauce.—
Linda Gassenheimer,
Boston Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jerk. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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