1
as in to knock
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
a good carpenter hits a nail just two or three times to drive it in
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to bump
to come into usually forceful contact with something
when she fell on the ice, she hit hard and badly bruised her elbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to achieve
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
the rock band hit "the big time" with their third album
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in success
a person or thing that is successful
the new babysitter turned out to be a hit with the kids
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
the quarterback can't take too many more hits like that and escape permanent injury
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hit
Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 7 Jan. 2026
According to the Cleveland Clinic, influenza A typically starts in the fall and hits its full stride by February or March but can last through April.
—Lori Comstock, Freep.com, 6 Jan. 2026
Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 9 Nov. 2025
But Jones didn’t listen to him, wisely, and scored a hit.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 9 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hit
Verb
After hitting the three free throws, TCU threw an inbounds pass out of bounds with one second left.
—Noun
Afterwards, the ’80s pop star performed a medley of career-spanning hits with accompaniment from Avril Lavigne, Raye, and others to celebrate the occasion.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for hit
Verb
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Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
-
Key's Jerry is a disruption through and through, knocking everything just a little off-kilter with each volatile appearance.—
Verb
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Bolstering that pair — or, even better, the second pair, and bumping down rookie Axel Sandin-Pellikka to the third — would go a long way toward solidifying the blue line.—
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Pending toxicology test results in 180 other cases will likely bump the total up more.—
Verb
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Though designers will still prioritize efficiency, the triangle might not always be the default layout to achieve what a homeowner wants.—
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In theory, this engine could achieve escape velocity from the Solar System, but would also produce considerable heat and radiation that would need to be safely contained.—
Noun
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My highest priority, now and always, is the well-being and success of our students, teachers, and the staff who support them.—
-
This comes roughly a year after the success of Weaver’s unit during the 2025 season led to interviews with the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears for their head coach openings.—
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.—
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This latest disaster will be framed by some as another blow to Minnesota's reputation.—
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.—
-
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.—
Verb
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Three people were killed and two others were hospitalized after two vehicles collided Saturday afternoon at an intersection on the American River Parkway near North Sacramento.—
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights remain unlit, minimizing the chance of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
Verb
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The Bruins won for the fifth time in six games despite going 0 for 6 on the power play a day after beating the Rangers 10-2.—
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Though the Heat is returning home for three games, Miami won’t be heavily favored to win any of them.—
Cite this Entry
“Hit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hit. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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