1
as in bumps
to come into usually forceful contact with something
my knee knocked against the table leg when I tried to get up quickly
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hits
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in blames
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in blows
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 misfortunes
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 setbacks
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of knocks
Sadia Shepard, New Yorker, 11 Jan. 2026
One of the biggest knocks on him is his lack of experience.
—Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
The first full week of 2026 promises warmth in Austin before a late-week cold front knocks temperatures back.
—Newsroom Meteorologist, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026
And usually parents only find out their kids are involved when the FBI knocks on the door, noted Cynthia Kaiser, former deputy assistant director of the FBI’s cyber division.
—Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Jan. 2026
Those door knocks sometimes paid off.
—Lester Holt, NBC news, 19 Dec. 2025
How to respond if a stranger knocks or calls.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Dec. 2025
There, Nat knocks Jud out and kills Samson.
—Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Dec. 2025
That might still be enough, however, to give her the edge over June’s oldest daughter Helen (Toni Collette), a flighty new age breathing instructor who lives abroad and was recently impregnated by a random Greek stranger who knocks people up for fun and money.
—David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 2025
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 Dec. 2025
Nobody expected a year ago that the India-US economic relationship will take so many knocks—of which the HIRE Bill is another reflection.
—Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Among the knocks on DeBoer after the Florida State debacle was his 2-4 road record as Alabama’s coach.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Both saber makers offer models suitable for children, which are largely, if not entirely, made of plastic, so they are designed to withstand a few knocks and bumps without causing too much damage.
—Alexander Cox, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Verb
Three weeks later, in early October, Kim knocks on Helen’s door.
—Noun
The story draws from Filipino urban folklore, specifically a childhood ritual involving mirrors, candles and three knocks that serves as the narrative’s foundation.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocks
Verb
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The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX will start at $99,995, excluding a mandatory $2,595 destination fee that bumps the price to $102,590.—
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A day when the Stanley Cup years finally ride the synaptic road back to long-term memory and the brain finally bumps the past for the present.—
Verb
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In exchange for Sonis, Summit FC sent $120,000 to Louisville, a sum that could rise to $160,000 if Sonis hits certain performance conditions.—
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Keeping the Uconnect infotainment system in play is also a win for the Stellantis brand with its extremely simplistic useability, which really hits home for many.—
Verb
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Her school blames a heartbreaking tragedy in her family.—
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And in fact, somebody that Victor blames for the death of his beloved mother.—
Noun
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Coming out the second half the teams continued to trade blows, after the Rockets took a 32-30 lead Xaverian responded with a 15-5 run to end the quarter to take a 45-37 lead.—
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The Anteaters withstood an early jolt from Cal State Fullerton in their Big West Conference matchup, but came back with several blows of their own in an 86-64 win at Titan Gym.—
Noun
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Mistakes, misfortunes, even tragedy, toxic secrets from the past—anything can happen, or may have happened.—
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According to local belief, sending a lantern upward helps cleanse a person’s spirit and eases their misfortunes, clearing the path for good luck in the coming year.—
Noun
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After back-to-back campaigns filled with setbacks, Scott re-signed with the Panthers on a 1-year deal this offseason.—
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Backups Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris suffered setbacks in subsequent weeks, pushing the Chiefs down to their last options at tackle on the depth chart.—
Verb
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But dropping the gloves can feel like an exasperating last act born of desperation and hopelessness - a door that slams behind you, leaves you in the dark and seldom reopens.—
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Trump slams Mamdani after primary win Mamdani’s primary victory shocked the political establishment and excited progressives.—
Verb
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The tarp slaps the frame of the truck’s roof.—
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As the scrum disperses, D’Angelo turns to you and slaps you five.—
Cite this Entry
“Knocks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocks. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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