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
-
As a port city and cultural crossroads, Marseille feels like a fitting host for an artist whose imagination roamed from the Cycladic isles to the Egyptian tomb.—
Lee Sharrock,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
-
For nearly two weeks, a black bear roamed Wisconsin with a jar stuck to her head.—
Mike Stunson,
Kansas City Star,
4 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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Each of the eight pet-friendly rooms has a different design, and guests can enjoy nearby restaurants and wander the surrounding Bellaire Court Historic District.—
Caroline Eubanks,
Travel + Leisure,
29 July 2025
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Last year was the deadliest year recorded for children with autism who wandered, and nearly all in that record died from drowning, according to tracking from the association.—
Darcie Moran,
USA Today,
29 July 2025
Adjective
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Hulk Hogan, the blond and boisterous body-slammer who brought pro wrestling into the mainstream in the 1980s while becoming one of the most recognizable celebrities of his generation, died Thursday.—
Rhett Bartlett,
HollywoodReporter,
24 July 2025
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River Rose, more timid at the beginning, follows Clarkson's lead and eventually joins in for a more boisterous performance.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
21 July 2025
Verb
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As agencies begin translating priorities into rules and funding decisions, implementation could drift into partisan favoritism.—
Paulo Carvão,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
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After months of wavering support and signs of growing disillusionment, new polling suggests Gen Z voters are beginning to drift back toward the Democratic Party.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 July 2025
Adjective
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There are a few giant screens playing sports located towards the back of the restaurant, and lively music, either from the house speakers or in-person entertainers, sets the mood for a fun meal.—
Ronny Maye,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
-
But afterward, the musician’s fans transformed a typically morose event into a lively commemoration of life and music that stretched across Osbourne’s hometown.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Zion National Park Many national park travelers plan itineraries that include multiple parks.—
Michael Salerno,
AZCentral.com,
25 July 2025
-
According to two flight attendants—Karen Young, who has 47 years of experience, and Crista Treat, who takes her airport outfits just as seriously as her vacation looks—far too many travelers still fall short.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
25 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knock (about).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock%20%28about%29. Accessed 8 Aug. 2025.
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