1
as in thud
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
he gave the ball a hard thwack with the bat and sent it deep into the outfield
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in clap
a loud explosive sound
even from the top of the bleachers we could hear the loud thwack of the ball being hit
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to slap
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
thwacked the growling dog on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of thwack
Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
The truck, which serves Mexican food, was parked across from a two-story home under construction, where the clang of hammers and thwack of nail guns sent echoes through the canyon.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Look down and there’s another scene: America’s power players – rich guys humbled by the task of thwacking a 1.62-ounce sphere from one spot to another.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for thwack
Noun
The timpani pound relentlessly on D and A, the final notes accentuated by elephantine bass-drum thwacks.
—Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 21 Nov. 2024
The truck, which serves Mexican food, was parked across from a two-story home under construction, where the clang of hammers and thwack of nail guns sent echoes through the canyon.
—Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2024
Verb
Club World Cup viewers may remember the South American receiving the ball, skipping past an opponent, and thwacking in a long-range goal against Urawa Reds in June.
—Henry Flynn, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025
Look down and there’s another scene: America’s power players – rich guys humbled by the task of thwacking a 1.62-ounce sphere from one spot to another.
—Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for thwack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thwack
Noun
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And then, when Stafford and Rodgers and the Titans said no thanks, Schoen landed with a thud on … Russell Wilson.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Panthers’ run game ended the 2025 regular season with a thud.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Victory in process, a W in the competence column, three cheers and an 8-clap for hope.—
Mirjam Swanson,
Oc Register,
2 Dec. 2025
-
What does the finger clap mean?—
Quispe López,
Them.,
17 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Five players were booked during their defeat to Cameroon, including Foster, who slapped the linesman’s hand twice and screamed in his face in frustration over a decision.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Mimicking what happened seven years earlier after the Dallas playoff win in Charlotte, the players ran back outside and took a lap around the stadium, slapping hands with delirious home fans.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Twitchy enough to line up off the edge or run with a tight end in the slot, Fisher (6-1, 231) is a bit small but brings enough thump to be the type of linebacker who never has to leave the field.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
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Though ashen, the convex steel form still resonates to the rhythmic thump of her hands.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Micro bangs These cheeky micro bangs topped our experts’ predictions for 2026.—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
10 Jan. 2026
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From a distance, A’zion’s hairline disappeared under her bangs, which were gelled into tiny ripples on her forehead.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Diaz obliged, but not before smacking an unlucky onlooker with a wayward first attempt, above.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Often, though, the clutter is the point, and you’re smacked with temperamental textures that channel the flippant streak of plunderphonics.—
H.D. Angel,
Pitchfork,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Both teams scored 14 points in that final period, with Matthew Stafford’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson the killing blow with 38 seconds left.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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This latest disaster will be framed by some as another blow to Minnesota's reputation.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The industry must continue addressing issues like equitable access, over-commercialization, and ensuring that the original advocates of legalization benefit from the boom.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Then, yellow, and boom—I was stuck.—
Victoria Mejicanos,
Time,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Thwack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thwack. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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