1
as in to knock
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
a good carpenter hits a nail just two or three times to drive it in
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to bump
to come into usually forceful contact with something
when she fell on the ice, she hit hard and badly bruised her elbow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to achieve
to obtain (as a goal) through effort
the rock band hit "the big time" with their third album
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in success
a person or thing that is successful
the new babysitter turned out to be a hit with the kids
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
the quarterback can't take too many more hits like that and escape permanent injury
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 hit
Scott Thompson, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2025
The agency said its Air and Marine Operations helicopter was most recently hit by a laser on Feb. 9 while Air Interdiction Agents conducted border security missions near the McAllen International Airport in Texas.
—Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2025
Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
Savan Kotecha, a 17-time Grammy nominee, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, is known for crafting chart-topping hits for Ariana Grande, the Weeknd, One Direction, Justin Bieber and more.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hit 
Verb
The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to hit Tee Higgins with the franchise tag for the second consecutive season, according to SI.com.
—Scott Thompson, Fox News, 18 Feb. 2025
The agency said its Air and Marine Operations helicopter was most recently hit by a laser on Feb. 9 while Air Interdiction Agents conducted border security missions near the McAllen International Airport in Texas.
—Kiki Intarasuwan, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
This popular brand found at most grocery stores is a bit chewy and has some hunks of fat that don’t cook out, but the hit of fennel is a win.
—Jolene Thym, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025
Savan Kotecha, a 17-time Grammy nominee, Oscar and Golden Globe nominee, is known for crafting chart-topping hits for Ariana Grande, the Weeknd, One Direction, Justin Bieber and more.
—Thania Garcia, Variety, 19 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hit
Verb
-
Although the bullet didn't penetrate Yarl's brain, the impact knocked him to the ground.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2025
-
In May 2024, CNN released hotel security footage from 2016 that showed Combs striking Cassie, knocking her to the ground, and dragging her down a hallway.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
19 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
Once that weight feels easy, level up again…but make each bump gradual.—
Christa Sgobba,
SELF,
11 Feb. 2025
-
McGee’s not sure what classified info the Pentagon is bumping on, but the possible topics include the robot dolphins, the moon base, the counterfeit Cialis, the flesh-eating virus, or the Icelandic archer.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
While the need is dire, going vintage can achieve a brighter future.—
Grace Butler,
USA TODAY,
14 Feb. 2025
-
That's because, on Saturday, Lillard is looking to become the first player to three-point in the 3-Point Contest since 1992, when Chicago Bulls reserve combo guard Craig Hodges achieved the feat.—
Josh Hammer,
Newsweek,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
The success of similar venues on Chicago’s lakefront, such as those at North Beach, demonstrates the potential impact.—
Melody Winston,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Feb. 2025
-
The success is driven by Fairlife’s Core Power protein shake brand, which remains a popular staple at many grocery stores and does not have many direct market-leading competitors.—
Ramishah Maruf,
CNN,
16 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
However, this is a huge win for City and a devastating blow for England’s top flight.—
Dan Sheldon,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
-
The new season of Kitchen Nightmares has seen the star chef come to blows with restaurant owners over practices such as sending out raw hamburgers and (in last week’s episode) appearing to give customers food poisoning.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
On the red carpet of the American Black Film Festival Honors in Los Angeles on Feb. 17, the 75-year-old actress told PEOPLE about filming the moment in which her character, Patti, slapped her daughter Angela (Taraji P. Henson) across the face during a heated confrontation on season 2 of Eli Stone.—
Stephanie Wenger,
People.com,
18 Feb. 2025
-
Just ask comedian Chris Rock, who was unceremoniously slapped by Will Smith during the 2022 Oscars after cracking a joke about the actor's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
16 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
One person is dead and several are hospitalized after two planes collided on a runway at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona on Monday, Feb. 10.—
Charmaine Patterson,
People.com,
11 Feb. 2025
-
One person was killed and four injured after a private jet owned by Mötley Crüe singer Vince Neil collided with another private plane when landing at an Arizona airport Monday afternoon, authorities said.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
It’s become a popular bit of internet lore that Mickey is technically the first non-human to win an Oscar.—
Patrick Ryan,
USA TODAY,
20 Feb. 2025
-
Rarely do teams that make desperation moves to win the offseason reap the benefits during the season.—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
19 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hit
Cite this Entry
“Hit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hit. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share