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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bonk
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
That pickleball game on the driveway was pure pandemonium, and Joan almost got bonked in the face with a ball.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 20 Sep. 2024
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
What is the etiquette for enjoying the last sips of your drink without that giant ice cube sliding down and bonking you on the nose?
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bonk
Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 24 July 2024
That pickleball game on the driveway was pure pandemonium, and Joan almost got bonked in the face with a ball.
—Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 20 Sep. 2024
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
What is the etiquette for enjoying the last sips of your drink without that giant ice cube sliding down and bonking you on the nose?
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2024
See All Example Sentences for bonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonk
Verb
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New York’s forward did so by staying attached through the bazillion screens Detroit set and recovering when he was hit.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
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The match began with Uso and Gunther going back and forth with each Superstar hitting their signature moves.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Then with two outs, Amed Rosario smacked an RBI single.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
13 Apr. 2025
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Once the screen comes, Dort smacked his inside leg into Hayes’ outside one.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The two rivals slapped each other, and Charlotte missed a spear in the corner.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
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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
Verb
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The next day, animal control officers returned to the home and knocked on the door, but no one answered, authorities said.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
19 Apr. 2025
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Jey landed a big uppercut early in the match that knocked Gunther on his butt.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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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
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The room began swaying and pictures banged against the walls.—
Muktita Suhartono,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But the rest of the skit was punching up and I/Chelsea was the only one punched down on … Not Sarah Squirm’s fault and not hating on her.—
Emily Zemler,
Rolling Stone,
16 Apr. 2025
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With their huge 198 score, the Green & White punched their first ticket to the NCAA Championships since 1988.—
Caroline Price,
Forbes.com,
16 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Right now, Trump and Congress could whack Medicaid and give Newsom a solid rationale for cutting way back on healthcare for undocumented Californians.—
George Skelton,
Los Angeles Times,
24 Mar. 2025
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Alas, the thick-headed goon that Vito sends to whack Frank in the lobby of his lux Manhattan apartment building (a swollen and unrecognizable Cosmo Jarvis as the aptly named Vincent Gigante) fails to follow through with a double-tap, and Frank survives with a scratch to the head.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Why are the fans suddenly clapping that odd rhythm in unison?—
Jim Harrington,
Mercury News,
15 Apr. 2025
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He was also seen as a member of the audience clapping along while Jack Black danced through the crowd during last week's monologue.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonk. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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