Thesaurus results for SHANKS

shanks

noun

plural of shank, slang

as in knives

an instrument with a metal length that has a sharp edge for cutting slashed at the prison guard with a shank he had secretly made from a scrap of metal

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 shanks Shoes with hidden metal components, including steel toes, buckles, heel rods, vintage metal shanks, and some orthopedic inserts, are the most likely to cause delays. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026 Included in the kit are standard 4-, 6- and 8-mm hex screwdriver shanks that are compatible with all standard hex screwdriver bits and micro screwdrivers. — Shirl Leigh july 20, New Atlas, 20 July 2026 But look out back, and there’s an Ole Hickory Pits commercial smoker cooking beef ribs, brisket, lamb shanks and chicken wings. — Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026 While the investigation was ongoing, Adams buried prison shanks and contraband cell phones in his backyard to obstruct the GBI, officials said. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 14 May 2026 Highlights in the collection include the Addison Overshirt, a snap-button style with a spread collar and the off-white Billie Overall with adjustable straps, side seam shanks at the waist and an apron chest pocket. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 14 May 2026 Think short ribs, oxtail, shanks, or even brisket point cut. — Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026 Boos rain down as Jeremy Crawshaw shanks that punt off the side of his foot. — Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2025 Homemade knives, called shanks, are plentiful inside the prison, several inmates said. — Kristine Phillips, IndyStar, 5 Nov. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shanks

Noun

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
According to Tisch, Cisneros then waved her knives and began to advance on the officers, who attempted to subdue the woman with a Taser before employing lethal force.

— Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of knives

Noun

Pitchers are disguising their four-seamers up with more cutters in than ever before, so just advising him to be more aggressive in the zone is not good enough.

— Eno Sarris, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
In Minneapolis, another has gone viral for videos of himself dismantling the equipment with bolt cutters.

— Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of cutters

Browse Nearby Words

shank

shanks

shanties

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of shanks

noun

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