knock (about) 1 of 3

verb

Definition of knock (about)next
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

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knockabout

2 of 3

adjective

ˈnäk-ə-ˌbau̇t How to pronounce knockabout (audio)
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)
  1. roam
  2. rollicking
  3. nomad
  4. wander
  5. boisterous
  6. wanderer
  7. drift
  8. raucous
Verb
  • Even so, an Associated Press photographer on Thursday saw migrants still roaming the streets.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Rammagerðin Skip the puffin shops (what the locals call the run-of-the-mill souvenir stops) and set aside some time to roam around one of Rammagerðin’s locations—my favorite is tucked into Harpa, the opera house designed by Olafur Eliasson.
    — Erika Owen, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Aug. 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
  • The first season focuses on Kauri, a lifestyle nomad who is leaving Finland once again, but on the night of his departure his van breaks down.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Digital nomad groups do the legwork to ensure a rich cultural experience, provide local support and side trips, introduce you to like-minded travelers, and are more affordable than many tours.
    — Maria Leonard Olsen, Travel + Leisure, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of nomad
Verb
  • However, what about rogue planets that wander interstellar space alone?
    — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • This strange girl who wanders around alone in the middle of nowhere and then enters a house that belongs to gentle bears.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of wander
Adjective
  • Despite his undoubted technical ability, the boisterous midfielder is known for his aggressive play in the centre of the park which often draws the ire of fans of rival clubs.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • There was no music and no hustle and bustle in Inwood on Sunday; just the sound of barricades being laid out in the normally boisterous neighborhood.
    — Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of boisterous
Noun
  • My eight women are divided into wanderers, rebels, explorers, and mentors.
    — Anne E. Fernald, Literary Hub, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The constant wanderer’s favorite place to jet off to is Italy, especially Rome, which inspired the name of her 4-year-old daughter.
    — Rachel Chang, Travel + Leisure, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of wanderer
Verb
  • Then Sánchez’s eyes drifted up, his feet stumbled to a stop, and the ball bounced feet away from him on the turf.
    — Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Previously, the state Department of Agriculture interpreted that to mean that outdoor growing was prohibited, citing concerns over security and agricultural pesticides drifting into marijuana crops.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of drift
Adjective
  • Golden State started 5 of 27 in front of a raucous, sellout crowd.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026
  • But that blend of raucous laughs (OK, well, some raucous laughs, some mere attempts at them) and real world concerns makes for an uneasy watch, ping-ponging between moods and tones in unpredictable ways.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of raucous

Browse Nearby Words

knock
knock (about)
knockabout
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Cite this Entry

“Knock (about).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock%20%28about%29. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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