1
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
his constant rudeness and insensitivity made everyone think he was a real jerk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
1
as in to yank
to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion
I jerked to one side to avoid getting hit jerked the leash to get the dog's attention
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to twitch
to make jerky or restless movements
you've got to quit jerking, or the barber will nick you by accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
the car jerked with every shift of the gear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of jerk
Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
My Jamaican Table, his first book (Springsteen wrote the foreword), is a mouth-watering mix of traditional classic dishes like oxtail with rice and peas, and curry chicken alongside modern spins on American classics, like his signature jerk smashburger with bacon jam.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2026
ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Avoid jerking your torso up and down during bent-over rows or swinging your arms during front, lateral, and rear raises.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jerk
Noun
In the new sequel, Grace teams with her estranged younger sister, Faith (Kathryn Newton), as they’re hunted by four elite families full of murderous jerks scrambling to become the High Seat of a Council that controls the world.
—Brian Truitt, USA Today, 21 Mar. 2026
My Jamaican Table, his first book (Springsteen wrote the foreword), is a mouth-watering mix of traditional classic dishes like oxtail with rice and peas, and curry chicken alongside modern spins on American classics, like his signature jerk smashburger with bacon jam.
—Jonathan Bernstein, Rolling Stone, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
But then her limbs started jerking.
—ABC News, 12 Mar. 2026
Avoid jerking your torso up and down during bent-over rows or swinging your arms during front, lateral, and rear raises.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 11 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jerk
Noun
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Scheduling tugs, fuel barges, crane operators, drayage trucks and drivers is complex indeed.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The tug of war is just starting.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Zach Neto and Nolan Schanuel drew walks, sandwiched around a Trout single, and then Soler yanked a three-run double down the left field line.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
-
Minnesota starter Taj Bradley struck out nine over 4 1/3 innings, but was yanked after throwing 92 pitches.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The launch can also be viewed on NASA's social media platforms include Facebook, twitch and X as well as NASA+, the agency's streaming service.—
Mary Kekatos,
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
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Curry’s body began convulsing and twitching with increasing severity, consistent with him sustaining a traumatic brain injury from being punched in the face, documents state.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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From Monday to Friday, the reception area will serve as a nutrition center for athletes, offering smoothies, protein shakes, granola and anything else an athlete could need.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Mar. 2026
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After an accidental explosion in a West Village bomb factory killed three Weathermen, those who survived, shaken by their friends’ deaths, swore off deadly violence.—
Zayd Ayers Dohrn,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
One was about Snow Dog, his dog that accompanied him to class.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
31 Mar. 2026
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An obituary for Spoon, an electrical lineman in Westfield, New York, noted his devotion to his wife, his dog, and exercise.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The crop’s pull extends to the highest levels of national politics — presidential hopefuls have made a point of visiting Meru to publicly declare their support for the trade, with pledges to open new markets, defend growers, and confront foreign bans.—
Joseph Maina,
semafor.com,
27 Mar. 2026
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Events include the keg toss, car deadlift, harness pull, atlas stones, log clean and press and Viking press.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The leftward lurch could cost Republicans control of Congress for the president’s final two years in office.—
Steve Peoples,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
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Since then, the larger culture has lurched rightward, with big corporations abandoning progressive signaling in favor of…other priorities.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The sixth-year senior saw limited action last season in the ACC with Pittsburgh, serving as the Panthers’ third-string quarterback and tossing just 22 passes on the year.—
Hunter Bailey,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Mar. 2026
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With the base loaded and one out, Los Alamitos popped up a bunt that third baseman Kimmie McDonnell snagged and alertly tossed to shortstop Mazzotti covering third base for an inning-ending double play.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jerk. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
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