knock 1 of 2

verb

ˈnäk How to pronounce knock (audio)
Definition of knocknext
1
as in to bump
to come into usually forceful contact with something my knee knocked against the table leg when I tried to get up quickly

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2
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner threatened to knock him upside the head if he didn't do as he was told

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3
as in to blame
to express one's unfavorable opinion of the worth or quality of hey, don't knock it until you've tried it

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knock

2 of 2

noun

1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument gave the door a good knock

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2
as in misfortune
bad luck or an example of this getting his college degree was a six year adventure not without its share of knocks along the way

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3
as in setback
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily the geneticist's reputation took a knock when several of his peers were unable to confirm his research findings

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of knock
Verb
Barstool Sports founder blames tariffs, continues to back Trump Dave Portnoy, millionaire founder of the media company Barstool Sports, knocked the struggling stock market, attributing his and others' losses to Trump's tariffs. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 7 Apr. 2025 Moreover, if your cat is knocking things over or breaking your stuff, providing them interactive toys and scratching posts can help redirect their attention. — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Noun
Boeser sustained a concussion on a cheap Tanner Jeannot hit in November, Hronek missed six weeks with a lower-body injury and in the final game before the Christmas break, both Quinn Hughes and Pettersson sustained knocks that would cost them games and comfort on the ice. — Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025 The other knock against the 4201dw is its mediocre LCD and 360-degree dial controller. — David English, PCMAG, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock
  1. bump
  2. hit
  3. blame
  4. blow
  5. misfortune
  6. setback
  7. bang
  8. slap
Verb
  • Alas, the Bolts were bumped in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
    — Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Williams and Jimenez went nose-to-nose when Mobile players rushed toward the Spring Hill player and bumped him.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of bump
Verb
  • According to arrest warrant affidavits obtained by the Star-Telegram, Price told investigators that her 8-year-old son reported being hit by Bean.
    — Lina Ruiz, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
Definition of hit
Verb
  • They are blamed for a mysterious illness that’s starting to spread – said to be passed through a single gaze, when one man falls in love with another.
    — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Last month, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Trump's tariffs were partly to blame for price increases that had taken place in February.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of blame
Noun
  • The endorsement was a boon to Mr. Cuomo, 67, and a blow to his rivals.
    — Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The result is just tit-for-tat subversion and another blow to America’s supposedly nonpartisan system of justice.
    — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of blow
Noun
  • The Philadelphia 76ers have faced tremendous misfortune this season with injuries and now could also have to give up a lottery pick to the Thunder.
    — Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The Rays’ misfortune in losing their home at the Trop was offset by the timing of the Yankees having just completed a massive upgrade to their facility, expanding player/staff space to around 50,000 square feet with top-of-the-line accessories.
    — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of misfortune
Noun
  • Despite the legislative setback, WeCount! is continuing its advocacy work and its ¡Que Calor! campaign.
    — Mimi Whitefield, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
  • McIlroy responded to all of his setbacks admirably.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of setback
Verb
  • Once the van doors are shut, Miller, Nero, Porter, and multiple civilian witnesses hear Gray yell and bang against the van, shaking it.
    — Steve Earley, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The room began swaying and pictures banged against the walls.
    — Muktita Suhartono, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of bang
Verb
  • The conversation between the Beijing administration and the EU chief takes place after Washington last Wednesday slapped China and the EU with reciprocal tariffs of 34% and 20%, respectively.
    — Dan Mangan,Kevin Breuninger,John Melloy,Ruxandra Iordache,Christina Wilkie,Erin Doherty, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Miss: The Ring General World Heavyweight Champion Gunther was interrupted by Jey Uso, who came through the crowd to confront him in the ring; despite Gunther's attempts to speak, Jey slapped the microphone away and questioned Gunther about his family.
    — Gordon G. Chang, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of slap

Phrases Containing knock

Browse Nearby Words

knobs
knock
knock (about)
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Cite this Entry

“Knock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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