as in to roam
to move about from place to place aimlessly
we knocked about from town to town, looking for work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in rollicking
being rough or noisy in a high-spirited way
a knockabout game of football in the mud
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knock (about)
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2017
Adjective
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock (about)
Verb
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Four other systems roamed the Atlantic basin before Erin – Andrea, Barry, Chantal and Dexter – but none were stronger than a tropical storm.—
Mary Gilbert,
CNN Money,
17 Aug. 2025
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The saiga antelope roams the Eurasian steppe of Central Asia.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Joy’s jazzy, smoky version of the Marvin Gaye classic, coupled with her velvety vocals, sparked another rollicking ovation led by John who was the first to stand up.—
Gail Mitchell,
Billboard,
4 Feb. 2023
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His setlist, a rollicking walk-down-memory-lane of solo hits, NKOTB favorites, standards, show tunes and cover songs, showcased his range as an entertainer, musical virtuoso and keen collaborator.—
Sonal Dutt,
Peoplemag,
23 Jan. 2023
Noun
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But the study builds on existing evidence that over time, mutations in these pathogens helped strengthen the immune systems of the nomads that were among the first to get sick, while more stagnant farmers and hunter-gatherers succumbed to the new diseases.—
Christian Thorsberg,
Smithsonian Magazine,
23 July 2025
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The Rays have been nomads, calling a minor-league ballpark — Steinbrenner Field in Tampa — their temporary home this year.—
Mike Bianchi,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 July 2025
Verb
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There are also shots of Slurp wandering through a Christmas carnival, Tyler hiding in what appears to be a sewer before emerging back into civilization in a cloak, and Enid nervously wielding a sword.—
Selome Hailu,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
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Kids and adults can take part in homesteading classes, check out a show in the 30-foot planetarium dome, participate in seasonal programming, or simply wander around the properties’ six historic buildings, including a drugstore, school, church, and cabin.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Amid the noise on Nashville’s bright, boisterous Broadway strip, Robert’s Western World stands alone with its (relatively) quiet reverence for Nashville’s spirit — the one that existed before the crowds.—
Mackensy Lunsford,
The Tennessean,
1 Aug. 2025
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To thwart it, Frank teams up with a fellow-officer (Paul Walter Hauser) and a victim’s sister (Pamela Anderson), and some of the boisterous humor is playfully ribald.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Even minor sparks or drifting embers can incite nearby foliage or grass, setting off a rapidly spreading fire.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Aug. 2025
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In some time, the faint scent of elephants drifted through the air.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Its Crown Kids Club pulses with creativity—think gooey slime-making, art workshops, kids’ gymnastics, and lively Pokémon shows—plus a dedicated cinema, a LEGO playroom, a mini kitchen workshop, and a glittering Princess Spa.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
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The lively multi-cultural party band Kotoko Brass plays on Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. on Guilford Green Stage One.—
Christopher Arnott,
Hartford Courant,
10 Aug. 2025
Noun
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What are the terrorism risks for travelers in Mexico?—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
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The History Museum of Travelers Rest, operated by the Travelers Rest Historical Society, will give you a look into the town’s rich history as a resting spot for travelers.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
17 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knock (about).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock%20%28about%29. Accessed 23 Aug. 2025.
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