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Definitions

knock

[nok] / nɒk /
NOUN
pushing, striking
Synonyms
STRONGEST
hammering
STRONG
beating blow box clip conk cuff hit injury lick rap slap smack swat swipe thump whack
Antonyms
WEAK
compliment praise
NOUN
strong criticism
Synonyms
STRONG
blame censure condemnation defeat failure flak pan rap rebuff rejection reversal setback stricture swipe
Antonyms
STRONG
achievement approval attainment compliment exoneration praise ratification sanction success win
VERB
push over; strike
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bash batter beat damage fell flatten hit hurt punch slap smack tap whack
STRONG
KO abuse bob bruise buffet clap clout cuff deck drub floor level maltreat manhandle maul mistreat pound rap roughhouse thrash thump thwack total wallop wound
WEAK
beat up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist help lose raise
STRONG
praise protect treat well
WEAK
compliment
VERB
criticize harshly
Synonyms
STRONGEST
slam
STRONG
abuse belittle blame carp cavil censure condemn denounce deprecate disparage lambaste reprehend reprobate skin
WEAK
alive denunciate find fault run down
Antonyms
STRONG
approve build up commend compliment endorse exonerate laud praise sanction

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

One night, he was preparing for a calculus test when he heard a knock on the door.

From Slate • Apr. 19, 2026

Rebounding from dreadfully depressing injury news to knock out the NBA’s best rebounding team?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

This could knock their stocks lower, given that they’re expensive.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

A knock on the door from a woman hawking child-rearing manuals started the future entrepreneur on her path.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

Coach’s back is to me when I knock on his open office door.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam