jackknife

noun

Definition of jackknifenext
1
as in pocketknife

Related Words

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2
as in belly flop

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 jackknife The senior jackknife had a 10-yard rushing TD, then a punt return for a TD to give the Eagles a 14-12 lead. — Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Singh allegedly made a U-turn in an unauthorized area on the Florida Turnpike, causing his truck to jackknife and collide with a minivan. — Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025 An investigation shows that a semi-truck pulling tandem trailers hydroplaned, causing the driver to lose control and the semi to jackknife. — Sam Gillette, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 The semi then crashed into two other 18-wheelers, causing one to jackknife and hit a Jeep Compass, Ford Mustang and Honda, officials with DPS told WFAA-TV. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for jackknife
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jackknife
  1. pocketknife
  2. belly flop
  3. knife
  4. header
  5. dagger
  6. drop
  7. switchblade
  8. slip
Noun
  • Cody Lawrence also said a pocketknife fell out of his sweatshirt during the struggle, so his father may have been stabbed.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • My grandfather, PopPop, is 99 and still shucks oysters using a bandana draped over one hand and a pocketknife in the other.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
Definition of pocketknife
Noun
  • On splashdown, the rocket tipped over and belly flopped into the sea as expected, broke apart and exploded as left over propellants ignited.
    — William Harwood, CBS News, 22 May 2026
  • Maybe that Great White shark out there did a big ol' belly flop?
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of belly flop
Noun
  • Officers spoke with Cisneros for about four minutes, repeatedly ordering her to drop the knives, according to Tisch.
    — Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • As with those knives, the Helton has no plastics or resin-based composites, just premium metals like 6061 aluminum, stainless steel and phosphor bronze.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of knife
Noun
  • Brooke Holden scored on a header in the 24th minute and Charlotte Kohler tacked on another goal in the 82nd minute.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Miami got off to a promising start, taking a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute when Casemiro, who lined up as a center back, leaped above Montreal defenders and scored on a header off a Telasco Segovia corner kick.
    — Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of header
Noun
  • The painting, now owned by MoMA, shows a mélange of people—soldiers, civilians, field workers—and animals, as well as daggers.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The story delivers tender and tragic daggers to the heart through a series of unsettling encounters that expose the awkwardness of puberty.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of dagger
Noun
  • The surprise drop kicked off a 60-day countdown for the re-issue.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Smooth it through damp hair before styling or use a few drops on dry lengths for an extra hit of shine and polish.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Chris Cooper, a political scientist at Western Carolina University (of no relation to the candidate), sometimes jokes that Roy Cooper is like Mister Rogers, if Mister Rogers carried a switchblade.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
  • If the trade does go through as is, then other questions about the Raptors sprout up — namely, what is to come of RJ Barrett, the 26-year-old switchblade entering the final season of his contract and eligible for an extension this summer.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of switchblade
Noun
  • For evening, Simkhai works with satin, lace, draped jersey and slip silhouettes, along with bugle beads, fringe jacquards and glass embellishments.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The top secures with a strap, revealing a roomy zippered compartment, two spacious side pockets, a large zippered pocket, and three slip pockets.
    — Jacqueline Tempera, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of slip

Browse Nearby Words

jacking (up)
jackknife
jackknives
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jackknife.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackknife. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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