as in to roam
to move about from place to place aimlessly
we knocked about from town to town, looking for work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in rollicking
being rough or noisy in a high-spirited way
a knockabout game of football in the mud
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knock (about)
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2017
Caryn James, HollywoodReporter, 30 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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
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
-
Colorful murals adorn the interior, with communal tables and high ceilings, and the outdoors has beer-keg tables and heat lamps and lots of room for patrons — and their dogs — to roam.—
John Metcalfe,
Mercury News,
13 Sep. 2025
-
His beam wavered on a patch of blankness, or the corner of an amp, and then began to roam the stage in desperation, scanning here and scanning there—until, from the darkness, the voice of Bruce Dickinson, Iron Maiden’s singer, was heard.—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Joy’s jazzy, smoky version of the Marvin Gaye classic, coupled with her velvety vocals, sparked another rollicking ovation led by John who was the first to stand up.—
Gail Mitchell,
Billboard,
4 Feb. 2023
-
His setlist, a rollicking walk-down-memory-lane of solo hits, NKOTB favorites, standards, show tunes and cover songs, showcased his range as an entertainer, musical virtuoso and keen collaborator.—
Sonal Dutt,
Peoplemag,
23 Jan. 2023
Noun
-
Dreadlocked yaks were dotted around the foreground and the odd cluster of nomad tents swept by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind.—
The Editors,
Outside,
31 Aug. 2025
-
The area is home to the indigenous Sami, who were descendants of nomads who lived in North Scandinavia for thousands of years.—
Jason Mastrodonato,
Mercury News,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Although the park attracts millions of nature-loving visitors every year, terrestrial cell phone signal quickly wanes once one wanders off populated areas and away from main roads.—
Tereza Pultarova,
Space.com,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Wildlife officials euthanized a black bear this week after the animal wandered into a Dollar General in northern New Jersey and bit a woman.—
Natalie Neysa Alund,
USA Today,
17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
But theater owners, producers and theatrical labor unions strongly opposed the plan, staging boisterous protests in Times Square and packing community hearings in recent months.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Staffordshire terriers are described by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as being affectionate towards family and good with young children, and with good breeding can be a playful and boisterous companion.—
Rachael O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Of growing closer to certain friends at certain times, and drifting away from others?—
Jane Ciabattari
September 16,
Literary Hub,
16 Sep. 2025
-
For years, political speech in America has been drifting into darker territory.—
Marly Berlin,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Expect a lively mix of chef demos, book signings, brunch-style tastings, and conversation with some of the region’s most influential women.—
Rai Mincey,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The kind of free speech and lively discourse that Kirk espoused involved spreading hateful conspiracy theories and misinformation.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As a traveler, she's visited destinations such as Hawaii and Mexico, especially loving trips out in nature.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Searches for Christmas and New Year’s getaways show travelers are looking for warm international locales to escape the cold.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knock (about).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock%20%28about%29. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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