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
Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
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
Noun
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
-
Some of the most notable included the iconic bell tower, the central fountain, the roaming pack of feral cats, and the massive gingko trees that loomed over a section of the academic quad and carpeted the sidewalks with golden leaves each fall.—
Katherine Polcari,
Southern Living,
6 Sep. 2025
-
In its world, resurrected mammoths roam, AI governs underground facilities, and human-animal hybrids embody both triumph and ambiguity.—
Charlie Fink,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 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
-
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
-
For aspiring nomads, understand that flexibility must be earned through trust, consistency and clear communication.—
Rodolfo Delgado,
Forbes.com,
13 Aug. 2025
-
Quick hits While the center battle has been decided, Canales said the kicking competition between NFL nomad Matthew Wright and rookie Ryan Fitzgerald is ongoing.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
While there’s not a lot to see and do, every bit of it is worth experiencing, so pick a pretty day and wander over to Waverly for a few hours of chatting with friendly folks, digging into good food, and scouring shelves for cool finds.—
Jennifer Stewart Kornegay,
Southern Living,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Whether sailing across Lake Zurich or wandering the Kunsthaus, the city reveals itself seductively.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Among the latter, McElwee pays a visit to his longtime friend Charleen Swansea, who stole the show in Sherman’s March with her boisterous real-talk and raunchy humor.—
Jordan Mintzer,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Sep. 2025
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Yet the mood is lively, even boisterous, come lunch, energy aided by friendly yet polished service.—
Lauren Mowery,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The former Chelsea and Aston Villa winger offers Sunderland something slightly different in terms of being a left-footed player who drifts in from the right.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
2 Sep. 2025
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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,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The line connects the bustling Praça dos Restauradores in Baixa (downtown Lisbon) with the lively Bairro Alto district and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.—
Hannah Parry,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Sep. 2025
-
While in La Latina, its winding medieval lanes overflow with lively tapas bars and local chatter.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Porter thinks airport lounges can be part of what’s offered to travelers, and won’t go away.—
Vinod Sreeharsha,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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Benefits for Charlotte with Middle Eastern nonstop The new route is expected to create opportunities for people in Charlotte, from leisure travelers to business professionals.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knock (about).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock%20%28about%29. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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