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

Rounding out the trio is a take on the Air Max 95 Neon with orange substitutions on its Big Bubble heel unit and eyestay loops and a green and orange gradient on the outsole’s shank. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 30 June 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