KNOCK (ABOUT) Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

knock (about) 1 of 3

verb

Definition of knock (about)

as in to roam

to move about from place to place aimlessly we knocked about from town to town, looking for work

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knockabout

2 of 3

adjective

ˈnäk-ə-ˌbau̇t

as in rollicking

being rough or noisy in a high-spirited way a knockabout game of football in the mud

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

knockabout

3 of 3

noun

as in nomad

a person who roams about without a fixed route or destination the book is one writer's journey of self-discovery as a restless knockabout

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 knock (about)

Adjective

The style is almost knockabout, with a color palette reminiscent of Coralie Fargeat, but quickly evolves into its own thing with the arrival of Taquin as Margot, a medical student at a nearby hospital. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 May 2026 Though thematically vague, thinly plotted and without a reliably sympathetic soul to cling to, the movie has a mutinous energy and an absurd, knockabout charm; even its violence is more quirky than brutal. — Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2017

Noun

But the knockabout violence has the effect of steamrolling the wit. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 June 2026 Seeing a knockabout comedy set outdoors is a whole different barrel of laughs. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 This new film is a very black comedy that is also a heist story with some bloody violence, along with a bit of knockabout slapstick and a theme of family bonds. — Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock (about)

Verb

Its defense includes the biggest star in Moroccan soccer, Achraf Hakimi, a right back with a license to roam.

— Joe Murphy, NBC news, 9 July 2026
Feral cats and domestic cats allowed to roam outside also eat reptiles, mammals and other creatures.

— Christopher A. Lepczyk, The Conversation, 8 July 2026

Definition of roam

Adjective

Murphy then appeared on stage to a rollicking standing ovation and made his way to his place at the dais toward the back of the room.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
Those self-aware lyrics are paired with breezy melody and a gently rollicking rhythm, making this feel like a freewheeling summertime favorite.

— Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2026

Definition of rollicking

Noun

View gallery - 7 images With its substantial size and lack of wheels or trailer, the Evergreen XL isn't a good fit for would-be nomads.

— Adam Williams July 12, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
The titular nomad needed, perhaps, an actor with a little more mischief and roguishness to sell his transformation from conman to folk hero (Harrison Ford, 55 at the time, may have been a good alternative).

— Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 July 2026

Definition of nomad

Verb

The Argentine black and white tegu, a South American native that can grow to nearly five feet long, has been seen wandering in Altamonte Springs and Geneva as well as further east near Cocoa and Melbourne, according to iNaturalist posts and FWC.

— Rylan DiGiacomo-Rapp, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 July 2026
But on a shady patch under a sprawling river birch, ten teens who had wandered over from Stuyvesant High School assemble themselves into breakout groups to discuss Zohran Mamdani’s recently released housing proposal.

— Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 July 2026

Definition of wander

Noun

For the wanderers Saint-Tropez rewards the curious as much as the party crowd—and the best way to explore is entirely on your own terms.

— Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
Weston loved to ‘embed himself in different cultures’ Weston’s mother, Nancy Higginbotham, described him as an ardent protector of the environment and a wanderer who loved to travel and enjoy nature.

— Rebekah Riess, CNN Money, 6 June 2026

Definition of wanderer

Adjective

Set the scene Morea House’s contemporary, angular facade faces right out onto the beach from where the lively V&A Waterfront is a 20-minute drive north, with Sea Point, another popular stretch of seafront, just 11 minutes away by car.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
Known for its sprawling waterfront cottages and lively social scene, Muskoka sets the stage as relationships, careers, and personal lives collide.

— Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 9 July 2026

Definition of lively

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“Knock (about).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock%20%28about%29. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of knock (about)

verb

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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