Thesaurus results for BONK

bonk

verb

ˈbäŋk

Definition of bonk

as in to hit

to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner an overhead branch suddenly fell and bonked him on the head

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 bonk Or picture playing a round of knockout basketball with Caitlin Clark when you’ve been known to bonk the majority of your free throws. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2026 With eight minutes left in the contest, Kempe bonked Cale Makar in the back of the head, then went to the box for mixing it up with captain Gabe Landeskog, who came to Makar’s defense, shortly thereafter. — Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 20 Apr. 2026 Watch the baby birds bonking at the video at the top of the story. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 8 Apr. 2026 That depletes your carb stores prematurely, leaving you unable to accelerate and more likely to bonk. — Alex Hutchinson, Outside, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bonk

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonk

Verb

Throw it on over a swimsuit before hitting the beach, or accessorize it with a belt and some sunnies for a laid-back, yet polished, ensemble.

— Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
The American military undertook fresh strikes against Iran, hitting air defense and radar system targets.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of hit

Verb

The directorial debut of cinematographer Mi Steinbach, Strange Neighbors was shot over three years on Schwarztonnensand, an island and nature preserve on the German Elbe river, smack in the middle of one of Europe’s busiest waterways.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
In last fall’s season-opener, the Irish smacked Chicago Christian 47-6.

— Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of smack

Verb

While outlining the details of Clancy's suicide attempt, Reddington slapped a quarter on the table and addressed the prosecutors in what appeared to be a direct challenge to the state.

— Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
Already, Skubal’s joining in on pregame handshake lines and slapping the dugout railing in time to Roki Sasaki’s warm-up music.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of slap

Verb

If such an attack succeeds, Gulf Arab states’ need to save their huge oil infrastructure investments could knock them out of their informal American coalition or force Washington to accept Iranian terms on reopening the strait.

— JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
With clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, London City Lionesses and Brighton, albeit the latter has just appointed a new head coach, knocking at the door, this could be United’s toughest season yet.

— Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of knock

Verb

Fast-forward five centuries later to modern-day Seattle, and Liz is forever banging her head hearing her husband's persistent little cough.

— Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
The water stops suddenly, making the pipe shudder or bang against the wall or another surface.

— Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of bang

Verb

James showed excellent vision and punch, and paired with Kaelon Black and Christian McCaffrey, the Niners should have three worthwhile, trustworthy backs this season.

— Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026
Ross doesn’t tend towards punch-the-air climaxes—just warm, excitable builds.

— Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of punch

Verb

There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers.

— Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
The Miami Dolphins rookie had shed his block and began pursuing Jameis Winston, reaching the New York Giants’ backup quarterback in time to whack him good with a legal hit.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of whack

Verb

When the visitors' lineup and Skubal were shown on the videoboard and his name was announced before the first pitch, most of the crowd at Comerica Park clapped for the two-time Cy Young Award winner while some jeered him.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Pocic immediately started clapping, and Ravens offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford rushed over to celebrate with him.

— Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of clap

Browse Nearby Words

boning (up)

bonk

bonked

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonk. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of bonk

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes