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knock

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noun

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as in setback
a change in status for the worse usually temporarily the geneticist's reputation took a knock when several of his peers were unable to confirm his research findings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Verb
The party takes a wrong turn when some uninvited folks come knocking at the door. Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 Apr. 2025 And of course, let your nails properly cure under the UV light—try not to move around too much or knock things over. Martine Thompson, Essence, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
Boeser sustained a concussion on a cheap Tanner Jeannot hit in November, Hronek missed six weeks with a lower-body injury and in the final game before the Christmas break, both Quinn Hughes and Pettersson sustained knocks that would cost them games and comfort on the ice. Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 8 Mar. 2025 The other knock against the 4201dw is its mediocre LCD and 360-degree dial controller. David English, PCMAG, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for knock
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock
Verb
  • Alas, the Bolts were bumped in the first round by the Columbus Blue Jackets.
    Tom Layberger, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Williams and Jimenez went nose-to-nose when Mobile players rushed toward the Spring Hill player and bumped him.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Houston threw numbers behind the ball for most of the game to avoid getting hit by the deadly counterattacks and transitions KC has been known for.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Last month, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Trump's tariffs were partly to blame for price increases that had taken place in February.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • They are blamed for a mysterious illness that’s starting to spread – said to be passed through a single gaze, when one man falls in love with another.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More price hikes provide a psychological blow that shakes consumer confidence.
    Rohit Arora, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The result is just tit-for-tat subversion and another blow to America’s supposedly nonpartisan system of justice.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The Philadelphia 76ers have faced tremendous misfortune this season with injuries and now could also have to give up a lottery pick to the Thunder.
    Nick Crain, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The Rays’ misfortune in losing their home at the Trop was offset by the timing of the Yankees having just completed a massive upgrade to their facility, expanding player/staff space to around 50,000 square feet with top-of-the-line accessories.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The announcement adds to a string of setbacks in the company’s bid to win a slice of the booming market for GLP-1s, which mimic certain gut hormones to tamp down appetite and regulate blood sugar.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Despite the legislative setback, WeCount! is continuing its advocacy work and its ¡Que Calor! campaign.
    Mimi Whitefield, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Once the van doors are shut, Miller, Nero, Porter, and multiple civilian witnesses hear Gray yell and bang against the van, shaking it.
    Steve Earley, Baltimore Sun, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The room began swaying and pictures banged against the walls.
    Muktita Suhartono, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The two rivals slapped each other, and Charlotte missed a spear in the corner.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The Republican president slapped 10% tariffs on most goods entering the country but delayed the implementation of higher levies, pending negotiations.
    Trevor Hunnicutt, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Knock.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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