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
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
All the other couples will be extremely excited to hear that these two are bonking.
—Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 18 Mar. 2024
This sets off an argument between Jo and Magnus that results in Magnus getting bonked on the head and Jo absconding with Alice.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bonk 
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
All the other couples will be extremely excited to hear that these two are bonking.
—Alexandra Koster, refinery29.com, 18 Mar. 2024
This sets off an argument between Jo and Magnus that results in Magnus getting bonked on the head and Jo absconding with Alice.
—Erin Qualey, Vulture, 28 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for bonk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bonk
Verb
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With snow and freezing weather hitting most states in the U.S. this past week, many have had to deal with icy and snowy commutes.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
25 Jan. 2025
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Acuña flashed during a late-season call-up, hitting .308 with three home runs in 39 at-bats.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Barkley smacked them for 296 yards and four TDs in the regular season.—
Bill Reinhard,
New York Daily News,
23 Jan. 2025
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During that period, Ichiro smacked 2,533 of his 3,089 Major League hits, ranking him 25th on MLB’s all-time hits list.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Newsom greeted Trump with a handshake, and the president slapped him on the back.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
25 Jan. 2025
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But as Jackson stepped out of bounds, Oliver let go of Jackson’s jersey and then re-engaged with Jackson, slapping his right arm around the quarterback and tackling Jackson hard to the ground on Baltimore’s sideline.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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But Keys was able to knock the tennis titan off balance with a stunning opening match, eventually winning the whole tournament in the final set, which was tied till the very end.—
Mansee Khurana,
NPR,
25 Jan. 2025
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And in this case, Homeland Security is knocking on states’ doors.—
Ana Ceballos,
Miami Herald,
25 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Playing in his second career game, the 29-year-old Abols finished with four shots and banged a few Rangers around, too, with three hits — one of which came on Rangers giant Matt Rempe.—
Kevin Kurz,
The Athletic,
23 Jan. 2025
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To prevent harm, always bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
22 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Irish inched farther into field goal range over the next 26 seconds to set up kicker Mitch Jeter’s game winner from 41 yards out, punching their ticket to the national championship game.—
Scott Dochterman,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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The Cowboys now boast the longest NFC Championship Game drought after the Washington Commanders punched their ticket to the title round last week.—
Vincent Frank,
Forbes,
23 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The rings probably formed from an icy moon of Saturn getting whacked, hard, by an incoming object, perhaps even another moon.—
Phil Plait,
Scientific American,
23 Jan. 2025
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However, compared to a quantum clock, atomic clocks are as accurate as a one-dollar antique pocket watch that's been whacked several times with a coal hammer.—
David Szondy,
New Atlas,
12 Jan. 2025
Verb
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At one point, Warren clapped and threw her arm up straight, following it with a wave.—
John Yoo and John Shu,
Newsweek,
23 Jan. 2025
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Beside him, Hadid, clearly not quite as passionate about the Philadelphia Eagles as her boyfriend, clapped and smiled politely.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Glamour,
21 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near bonk
Cite this Entry
“Bonk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bonk. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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