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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knock
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
The fun-loving entertainment hub doesn't yet have a US product page, but is up for pre-order on Amazon for US$799 (though there is a promo coupon available at time of writing that knocks a few dollars off that ticket price).
—New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025
John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
That’s not a knock on any show on Netflix.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knock
Verb
Use a blast from the hose to knock larvae off the plant, says Salom.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2025
The fun-loving entertainment hub doesn't yet have a US product page, but is up for pre-order on Amazon for US$799 (though there is a promo coupon available at time of writing that knocks a few dollars off that ticket price).
—New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
That's not a knock on Thirtysomething, or the girl.
—John Tamny, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
That’s not a knock on any show on Netflix.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for knock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock
Verb
-
The job cuts are permanent, and employees will not have bumping rights to other positions.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Few love it as much when leveling the playing field means bumping them down a few notches.—
John Koetsier,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The jeans also have a cropped length that hits right at the ankle and patch pockets that not only look cute, but are also functional.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Denholm is giving interviews to explain the board’s decision to award Musk a pay package that could be worth $1 trillion if the company hits milestones for market capitalization, profits, and vehicle production.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Delta blames a global IT outage last summer for its performance problems.—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
-
The author compromises our trust in his appeal — likely unconsciously — by his blaming only one side.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Such a move would not only disrupt the 170 million Americans who use the app but also deal a major blow to the creator economy, which relies heavily on TikTok for income and audience growth.—
Katie Salcius,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Losing wing-back Liberato Cacace — so impressive alongside Callum Doyle down that flank at Millwall a fortnight ago — to injury was a huge blow.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
What horrible family misfortune has Ingelsby cooked up this time?—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
8 Sep. 2025
-
And yet the Dolphins have found a way to remain masters of mediocrity, prolonging the NFL’s longest playoff win drought with a combination of misfortune and missteps.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Jackson faced several setbacks this season but proved her fitness during the 100-meter dash rounds the past two days.—
Katelyn Hutchison,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
Sunday’s setback, Johnson said, occurred in the same affected area but in a new way.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This prompted an intervention from the speaker, who banged his gavel multiple times.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
-
When Weimers went on to give up his remaining speaking time for a moment of silence, Vice President Katarina Barley cut him off, sparking desk-banging protests from right-wing lawmakers in the chamber.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Later that night Plumier demonstrates by swiftly slapping the limp green body of a bullfrog hard across his leg.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Garraty is forced to slap himself across the face to stay awake as Barkovitch taunts him.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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