knot 1 of 2

noun

ˈnät How to pronounce knot (audio)
Definition of knotnext
1
as in cluster
a number of things considered as a unit from the summit we could see knots of houses up and down the river valley

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2
as in swelling
a small rounded mass of swollen tissue felt a small knot on the back of his head

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3
as in link
a uniting or binding force or influence their business partnership is strengthened by the knot of personal friendship

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4
as in grouping
a usually small number of persons considered as a unit knots of people were quietly chatting around the meeting hall

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5
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution the situation involved so many legal knots that we decided to get a lawyer

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knot

2 of 2

verb

as in to tangle
to twist together into a usually confused mass the extension cords were hopelessly knotted together

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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 knot
Noun
But athletics didn’t tie itself in knots trying to produce a detente. — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026 The earlier design specifies speeds approaching 16 knots (18 mph/30 km/h). — New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
Verb
Conine belted a solo homer in the second, knotting the score at 1-1. — Miami Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 Yet with the score knotted up Tracy went to his high leverage arms, and Erik Miller, Tyron Guerrero and Aroldis Chapman combined for three scoreless innings of relief to help send the game to extra innings. — Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for knot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knot
  1. cluster
  2. swelling
  3. link
  4. grouping
  5. problem
  6. tangle
  7. batch
  8. lump
Noun
  • These three mysterious elements of the cosmos have played a vital role in the evolution of large-scale cosmic structures like galaxies and galaxy clusters.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The executive observed that data analysis shows a younger customer has approached the brand, in addition to its loyal cluster of longtime clients in the 40- to 55-year-old core bracket.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of cluster
Noun
  • The doctor said his colleagues are struggling to treat infected children who often arrive at the hospital with serious complications like pneumonia, diarrhea and encephalitis, or brain swelling.
    — Julhas Alam, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The concern is as the days go on, the swelling is going to go into his hand.
    — Sahadev Sharma, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of swelling
Noun
  • At Everton, this link-up was shown in the eighth minute, when Rashford received from Shaw, who then took off down the inside channel behind Rohl and Johnson.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Electronic warfare can disrupt some unmanned systems, but autonomous drones, resistant communications links and other technologies can make jamming less reliable.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of link
Noun
  • So do scheme, personnel groupings, whether a team has a young starting quarterback or some young starters on the offensive line, and so on.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Thematic grouping of disparate work has become a popular, though not uncontroversial, trend.
    — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of grouping
Noun
  • Airlines scrambled Wednesday to dig out from the backlog triggered by technical problems experienced by the United Kingdom's air traffic control system that has forced the cancellation of more than 2,000 flights.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The Constitution attempted to solve ancient problems having to do not only with the people and their rulers, the structure of government, and the nature of rights, but also with the knowability and endurance of law.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of problem
Verb
  • Sidney was running to get a life jacket to Parker when he got tangled in the lines and the boat flipped.
    — Steven Romo, NBC news, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Ocean Rainforest said no whales got tangled in taut lines during a two-year demo project.
    — Amy Taxin, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of tangle
Noun
  • In duplication or mirror mode, the machine prints up to four identical parts simultaneously, effectively quadrupling batch output without needing to ramp up raw print speed.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 5 Sep. 2026
  • She‘s still reeling from how quickly her business went from a bumper batch of orders to battling for its life.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of batch
Noun
  • The initial agreement was that, in the separation, Bass would give Sperr a $50 million lump-sum payment and two properties in New York, and continue to care for Sperr’s mother, according to the suit.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2026
  • In a small bowl, mix together the tahini, sesame oil, miso, vanilla, and 1/4 cup (60g) warm water until no lumps of miso remain.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of lump

Phrases Containing knot

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knolls
knot
knothole
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Cite this Entry

“Knot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knot. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on knot

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about knot

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