Synonyms of shank

shank

noun

ˈshaŋk 

slang

as in knife

an instrument with a metal length that has a sharp edge for cutting

slashed at the prison guard with a shank he had secretly made from a scrap of metal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• knife
• cutter
• blade
• shiv
• sword
• dagger
• bayonet
• steel
• stiletto
• cleaver
• bolo
• bodkin
• pocketknife
• bowie knife
• poniard
• stylet
• machete
• switchblade
• dirk
• sheath knife
• cutlass
• saber
• rapier
• hack
• scalpel
• yataghan
• jackknife
• switch knife

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shank

Shoes with hidden metal components, including steel toes, buckles, heel rods, vintage metal shanks, and some orthopedic inserts, are the most likely to cause delays. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026

Mordecai If your dad loves baseball, take him to the bistro across from Wrigley Field for beef Wellington ($55), a lamb shank ($45) and an Old-Fashioned ($18). — Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026

The Cook County Sheriff's office said Medina was caught with a shank in jail last week. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 June 2026

Those charges may also be upgraded as authorities say he was caught in jail with a six-inch shank. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026