KNOCK (ABOUT) Synonyms: 165 Similar and Opposite Words

knock (about) 1 of 3

verb

Definition of knock (about)

as in to roam

to move about from place to place aimlessly we knocked about from town to town, looking for work

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knockabout

2 of 3

adjective

ˈnäk-ə-ˌbau̇t

as in rollicking

being rough or noisy in a high-spirited way a knockabout game of football in the mud

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

knockabout

3 of 3

noun

as in nomad

a person who roams about without a fixed route or destination the book is one writer's journey of self-discovery as a restless knockabout

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 (about)

Adjective

The style is almost knockabout, with a color palette reminiscent of Coralie Fargeat, but quickly evolves into its own thing with the arrival of Taquin as Margot, a medical student at a nearby hospital. — Damon Wise, Deadline, 15 May 2026 Though thematically vague, thinly plotted and without a reliably sympathetic soul to cling to, the movie has a mutinous energy and an absurd, knockabout charm; even its violence is more quirky than brutal. — Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2017

Noun

But the knockabout violence has the effect of steamrolling the wit. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 4 June 2026 Seeing a knockabout comedy set outdoors is a whole different barrel of laughs. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2026 This new film is a very black comedy that is also a heist story with some bloody violence, along with a bit of knockabout slapstick and a theme of family bonds. — Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock (about)

Verb

More mature than the party hordes that roam this part of town, the vibe here is the casual elegance that blends drinking rum out of a pineapple while retaining your sophistication while doing it.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
More than 180,000 giant tortoises roaming freely on our atoll is proof of what long-term commitment to conservation can achieve.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 10 Oct. 2026

Definition of roam

Adjective

Murphy then appeared on stage to a rollicking standing ovation and made his way to his place at the dais toward the back of the room.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
Those self-aware lyrics are paired with breezy melody and a gently rollicking rhythm, making this feel like a freewheeling summertime favorite.

— Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 24 Mar. 2026

Definition of rollicking

Verb

Crowley, once a logging camp, can’t be reached by road, but train passengers can wander among picnic tables, fire pits, cornhole games and a massive, gnarled old redwood known as the Wolf Tree.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Bucks will temporarily abandon much of their natural caution and wander around in unfamiliar territory searching for does.

— Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of wander

Adjective

Brattin was a member of the Missouri Freedom Caucus, an outspoken group of conservatives whose disruptive and boisterous tactics defined Missouri politics for years.

— Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
Duncombe’s friends remember her sunny spirit, boisterous and infectious laugh, unbridled optimism and passion for new experiences.

— Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of boisterous

Verb

The autumn sun is drifting southward and the angle of shadows is shifting.

— Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 16 Oct. 2026
His attention drifts towards intimate details – the bare armpit, the small hollow at the base of Rafael’s neck – and the music follows him into this increasingly private, almost obsessive fascination.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of drift

Adjective

Expect a raucous crowd at Progressive Field, as the Guardians look to make progress towards a return to the World Series for the first time since 2016.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Ionescu fired with her left hand in Jones’ direction, but the pass ended up in the front rows of a raucous State Farm Arena.

— Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of raucous

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knock (about)

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“Knock (about).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock%20%28about%29. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of knock (about)

verb

adjective

noun

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