1
as in clusters
a number of things considered as a unit
from the summit we could see knots of houses up and down the river valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in swellings
a small rounded mass of swollen tissue
felt a small knot on the back of his head
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3
as in links
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 groupings
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 problems
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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as in tangles
to twist together into a usually confused mass
the extension cords were hopelessly knotted together
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knots
Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
This spray aims to prevent breakage and ease tension during the braid takedown process by adding softness so hair can easily slide through knots and detangle much faster.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
The twin-Caterpillar C18 engines deliver a transatlantic range of approximately 4,200 nautical miles at 10 knots.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
The storm is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam, just north of the city of Quy Nhon, late on Thursday and early on Friday, when the JTWC estimates its intensity could drop from 90 to 20 knots.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
The knots tighten and multiply.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
The warning forecasts sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph), either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone, the NWS glossary explains.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Spend a weekend taking sailing lessons, and learn how to hoist a sail, tie some knots, and guide a boat across the water.
—Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2025
Air in the 80×120 section can reach speeds of up to 100 knots, while the smaller 40×80 tunnel can reach speeds of up to 300 knots.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
You’re not tied up into any knots.
—Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 8 Nov. 2025
This spray aims to prevent breakage and ease tension during the braid takedown process by adding softness so hair can easily slide through knots and detangle much faster.
—Caché McClay, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025
The twin-Caterpillar C18 engines deliver a transatlantic range of approximately 4,200 nautical miles at 10 knots.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 7 Nov. 2025
The storm is expected to make landfall in central Vietnam, just north of the city of Quy Nhon, late on Thursday and early on Friday, when the JTWC estimates its intensity could drop from 90 to 20 knots.
—Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025
The knots tighten and multiply.
—Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2025
The warning forecasts sustained surface winds, or frequent gusts, in the range of 34 knots (39 mph) to 47 knots (54 mph), either predicted or occurring, and not directly associated with a tropical cyclone, the NWS glossary explains.
—Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 3 Nov. 2025
Spend a weekend taking sailing lessons, and learn how to hoist a sail, tie some knots, and guide a boat across the water.
—Susan B. Barnes, Southern Living, 1 Nov. 2025
Air in the 80×120 section can reach speeds of up to 100 knots, while the smaller 40×80 tunnel can reach speeds of up to 300 knots.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knots
Noun
-
Whether decked out in clusters of large spherical blossoms or enchanting lacecap flowers, there’s a perfect hydrangea for nearly every yard—whether drenched in sun or cloaked in shade—and every gardener's personality.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
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Scrolling social feeds reveals a relentless parade of fireplace mantels draped in plaid and velvet, clusters of vintage nutcrackers beneath dark-wood shelves, and tablescapes positively roaring with holiday maximalism.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Infection is rapid, causing swellings in the lymph nodes (buboes) and leading to septicaemia and pulmonary infection.—
Matthew Binnicker,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
10 Nov. 2025
-
Quantum satellites are used to send light particles from space to multiple ground stations to create ultra-secure communication links.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Nix was uneven, seemingly out of sync with Payton and the personnel groupings.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
27 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
As well as visibility of the northern lights, strong geomagnetic storms can also cause problems with technology, such as fluctations in the power grid and interference with satellites, which can affect GPS.—
Shane Croucher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Plus, in his first weeks of discussions with the union’s staff, Astin became more aware of problems involving auditions and casting directors.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Each garment, which is rich in detail, is produced by hand in small batches at their atelier in Bombay.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
7 Nov. 2025
-
With 40 grind settings and a 300 gram bean hopper, this electric grinder is capable of handling grinding for larger batches.—
Jack Byram,
Architectural Digest,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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He is viewed as a superb talent and a very coachable player, which leads to thinking that he will be better served by staying in Pittsburgh, working with the NHL staff and taking his lumps.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
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Gradually whisk in warm chicken stock until no lumps remain; stir in andouille sausage, okra, and bay leaf.—
Melinda Salchert,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knots. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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