as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
an overhead branch suddenly fell and bonked him on the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bonk
Stelton wrote that the short-term chance of an eruption is akin to the probability of getting bonked in the head by a baseball — while standing outside a major league stadium.
—
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
Miss Manners cannot entirely guarantee, however, that your finger will not bonk your nose instead — particularly after the second or third old-fashioned.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024
In a split second, Jaden decided to one-up Carolyn’s cruelty and bonked her in the head repeatedly with the fire poker.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 July 2024
An argument ensues between two of the officials that ends when the not-quite-dead man gets bonked on the head with a mace.
—David Plazas, The Tennessean, 17 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bonk
Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 3 Jan. 2025
Miss Manners cannot entirely guarantee, however, that your finger will not bonk your nose instead — particularly after the second or third old-fashioned.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024
In a split second, Jaden decided to one-up Carolyn’s cruelty and bonked her in the head repeatedly with the fire poker.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 July 2024
An argument ensues between two of the officials that ends when the not-quite-dead man gets bonked on the head with a mace.
—David Plazas, The Tennessean, 17 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonk
Verb
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The jeans also have a cropped length that hits right at the ankle and patch pockets that not only look cute, but are also functional.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Sep. 2025
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Denholm is giving interviews to explain the board’s decision to award Musk a pay package that could be worth $1 trillion if the company hits milestones for market capitalization, profits, and vehicle production.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Another bone-breaking moment comes during hitting drills, and as players smack each other, Tipping flips to an X-ray view that shows the brain and other internal parts of bodies being jostled around in shocking fashion.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
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On one play, there were three Eagles players moving early, and the Chiefs player smacked the ball out of the centers hand and nothing was called.—
Mark Kern,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Ma slapped me and was right to do so.—
Anahid Nersessian,
New Yorker,
15 Sep. 2025
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Trade tensions between Beijing and Washington have been on a rollercoaster ride in 2025, with both sides slapping escalating tariffs on each other.—
AFP,
Fortune,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Elon Musk had steadily held his spot at the top of the billionaires list for nearly a year straight before Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison briefly knocked him from the throne last week.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
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Remember, as little as 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This prompted an intervention from the speaker, who banged his gavel multiple times.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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When Weimers went on to give up his remaining speaking time for a moment of silence, Vice President Katarina Barley cut him off, sparking desk-banging protests from right-wing lawmakers in the chamber.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Perich brought High’s knee down onto Perich’s chest while Minnesota linebacker Devon Williams punched the ball out.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
16 Sep. 2025
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Mayfield moved the offense down the field and Richaad White punched the ball into the end zone for the 2-yard score.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The robot showcased exemplary skills with the bat, whacking the ball precisely in a rally of over 100 shots with human-like agility.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
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After consulting with the stunt coordinator, who gave her permission, Cooke whacked him – hard.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Once everyone re-joins the main call, the Cave Guide asks everyone to rub their hands together and clap on the count of three.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
17 Sep. 2025
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Seated in front of Smith, Sanders nodded emphatically and occasionally clapped as Smith laid out his talking points.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonk. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.
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