Synonyms of shanks

shanks

noun

plural of shank, slang

as in knives

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

• knives
• cutters
• blades
• shivs
• swords
• daggers
• cleavers
• bayonets
• bodkins
• bolos
• steels
• stilettos
• poniards
• cutlasses
• pocketknives
• dirks
• machetes
• stylets
• switchblades
• yataghans
• rapiers
• sabers
• hacks
• sheath knives
• scalpels
• bowie knifes
• jackknives
• switch knives

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shanks

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

Included in the kit are standard 4-, 6- and 8-mm hex screwdriver shanks that are compatible with all standard hex screwdriver bits and micro screwdrivers. — Shirl Leigh july 20, New Atlas, 20 July 2026

But look out back, and there’s an Ole Hickory Pits commercial smoker cooking beef ribs, brisket, lamb shanks and chicken wings. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

While the investigation was ongoing, Adams buried prison shanks and contraband cell phones in his backyard to obstruct the GBI, officials said. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 14 May 2026

Highlights in the collection include the Addison Overshirt, a snap-button style with a spread collar and the off-white Billie Overall with adjustable straps, side seam shanks at the waist and an apron chest pocket. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 May 2026

Think short ribs, oxtail, shanks, or even brisket point cut. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026

Boos rain down as Jeremy Crawshaw shanks that punt off the side of his foot. — Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025

Homemade knives, called shanks, are plentiful inside the prison, several inmates said. — Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025