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
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)
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
-
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
-
The saiga antelope roams the Eurasian steppe of Central Asia.—
Popular Science Team,
Popular Science,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
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
-
Many nomads jumped into the lifestyle without thinking long-term.—
Rodolfo Delgado,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
And in its capital city, Tallinn, nomads will find a rich mix of tech startups that will surely inspire their next professional move.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
3 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
While Snell and catcher Will Smith appealed to the first-base umpire, Laureano wandered away from second base, looking back over his shoulder for the call from first-base umpire Chris Guccione.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
23 Aug. 2025
-
O'Reilly wandered into an Irish pub called John D. McGurk's to celebrate — and on stage that night was JigJam and its singer, Jamie McKeogh.—
Brad Schmitt,
The Tennessean,
23 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Chatter in a crowded room, the grind of metal on train tracks and the boisterous wall of sound backstage at a gig were also effectively subdued but not completely obliterated.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Their assemblage resounded with calls for fighting back against President Donald Trump and boisterous camaraderie in the name of winning in 2026. Democrats may be rallying and kumbaya-ing now, but their upcoming primary campaigns will be brutal and fiercely competitive.—
Laura Washington,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The ball drifted toward the warning crack in right-center when Lee slid to try to make the dive.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
18 Aug. 2025
-
In some time, the faint scent of elephants drifted through the air.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
From intimate evenings at home to lively dinner parties, Wine Chips make every sip more memorable.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Having been friends and collaborators for over two decades, the group's conversations are lively and filled with excited interjections, ultimately leading to agreement.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
What are the terrorism risks for travelers in Mexico?—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
-
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 29 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share