1
as in to bump
to come into usually forceful contact with something
my knee knocked against the table leg when I tried to get up quickly
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
threatened to knock him upside the head if he didn't do as he was told
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to blame
to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of
hey, don't knock it until you've tried it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
gave the door a good knock
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in misfortune
bad luck or an example of this
getting his college degree was a six year adventure not without its share of knocks along the way
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in setback
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily
the geneticist's reputation took a knock when several of his peers were unable to confirm his research findings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of knock
Adam Thompson, CBS News, 18 May 2026
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Though not everyone will jump on board, aficionados of the panoply of Nightmare on Halloween the 13th knock-offs – and the diminishing returns that followed – will know the references and get the affectionate, tongue-in-cheek humor.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for knock
Verb
Forbes appeared to be trying to knock the ball away from Wallace at the end of a play when the two swung at each other.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 18 May 2026
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
Noun
This isn’t a knock on Brita specifically — basic carbon filtration technology has real limits, and PFAS removal isn’t something it was designed to do.
—Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Though not everyone will jump on board, aficionados of the panoply of Nightmare on Halloween the 13th knock-offs – and the diminishing returns that followed – will know the references and get the affectionate, tongue-in-cheek humor.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for knock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock
Verb
-
More experienced employees are able to bump other employees and take over their roles during lay-off periods.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 May 2026
-
In 2024, voters bumped it up to a half-cent.—
Rebecca Ellis,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
After Addi Brown was hit by a pitch, Bree Martinelli struck a two-run double to center field, and Leah Rutherford closed out the scoring with an RBI on a squeeze bunt before Eustis was able to record an out.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
23 May 2026
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The power was once again on display as UCLA hit three home runs, cruising to a 9-1 run-rule win over UCF in the first game of the NCAA Super Regional at Easton Stadium in Los Angeles Friday night.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 May 2026
Verb
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The president blamed him for a massive sewage spill and excluded him from a historically bipartisan governors' meeting at the White House.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
19 May 2026
-
Under fire for recording a 2024 confidential legal visit between a lawyer and her client, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office has responded by blaming the attorney, using an argument that one judge has already cast doubt on in court.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
The digs at the pretensions of artists, channeled through Claire’s decision to make her death a public spectacle in order to secure some future fame, are less amusing here because the blows never seem to quite connect with their targets.—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2026
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Meanwhile, Ozel, in his first and only election as party leader, delivered a decisive blow to Erdogan’s Justice and Development Party in the 2024 municipal polls.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
24 May 2026
Noun
-
Does White’s misfortune offer Alexander-Arnold a route back?—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
-
Farmers markets — that humble and charming throwback to a bygone era — are also struggling with higher fuel prices, after weathering the economic calamities of the pandemic and other misfortunes.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
Noun
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But on July 1, after years of highs, lows and financial setbacks, Connie & Ted’s will close.—
Stephanie Breijo,
Los Angeles Times,
23 May 2026
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Early setbacks — including the contraction of teams like the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny — highlighted the league’s vulnerability.—
Clemente Lisi,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Verb
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Levu remained hot, banging home an RBI single in the bottom of the third, cutting the deficit by a run.—
Jack Vita,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Levu remained hot, banging home an RBI single in the bottom of the third, cutting the deficit by a run.—
Jack Vita,
Oc Register,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
She was also slapped into another dimension by Jules (Hunter Schafer) after lobbing several insults at her about Jules’ whole sugar baby situation.—
Marlow Stern,
Variety,
24 May 2026
-
Like any automaker, Jeep isn't afraid to collect a few bucks licensing out its brand to slap onto all kinds of basic lifestyle gear and consumer goods – from tote bags and tumblers to cheese boards and electric wine openers.—
C.C. Weiss
May 22,
New Atlas,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock. Accessed 26 May. 2026.
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