jackknife

noun

Definition of jackknifenext
1
as in pocketknife

Related Words

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2
as in belly flop

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 jackknife The senior jackknife had a 10-yard rushing TD, then a punt return for a TD to give the Eagles a 14-12 lead. — Matt Schubert, Denver Post, 31 Aug. 2025 Singh allegedly made a U-turn in an unauthorized area on the Florida Turnpike, causing his truck to jackknife and collide with a minivan. — Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 20 Aug. 2025 An investigation shows that a semi-truck pulling tandem trailers hydroplaned, causing the driver to lose control and the semi to jackknife. — Sam Gillette, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 The semi then crashed into two other 18-wheelers, causing one to jackknife and hit a Jeep Compass, Ford Mustang and Honda, officials with DPS told WFAA-TV. — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for jackknife
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jackknife
  1. pocketknife
  2. belly flop
  3. knife
  4. header
  5. dagger
  6. drop
  7. switchblade
  8. slip
Noun
  • Cody Lawrence also said a pocketknife fell out of his sweatshirt during the struggle, so his father may have been stabbed.
    — Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • My grandfather, PopPop, is 99 and still shucks oysters using a bandana draped over one hand and a pocketknife in the other.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
Definition of pocketknife
Noun
  • On splashdown, the rocket tipped over and belly flopped into the sea as expected, broke apart and exploded as left over propellants ignited.
    — William Harwood, CBS News, 22 May 2026
  • Maybe that Great White shark out there did a big ol' belly flop?
    — Anna Skinner, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Definition of belly flop
Noun
  • Florida chef Elijah Button was chopping onions in June when his knife slipped and sliced his middle finger to the bone.
    — Ali Swenson, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Less than five minutes into the ride, Brown allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed her multiple times, including in the neck.
    — Josh Bergeron, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of knife
Noun
  • The London double-header follows Jay-Z’s three-night run at Yankee Stadium in New York City, which took place in July.
    — Sophie Williams, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026
  • One of them, James Trafford, made an excellent stop to keep out an Igor Jesus header.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of header
Noun
  • The painting, now owned by MoMA, shows a mélange of people—soldiers, civilians, field workers—and animals, as well as daggers.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The story delivers tender and tragic daggers to the heart through a series of unsettling encounters that expose the awkwardness of puberty.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of dagger
Noun
  • The surprise drop kicked off a 60-day countdown for the re-issue.
    — Caché McClay, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Smooth it through damp hair before styling or use a few drops on dry lengths for an extra hit of shine and polish.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Chris Cooper, a political scientist at Western Carolina University (of no relation to the candidate), sometimes jokes that Roy Cooper is like Mister Rogers, if Mister Rogers carried a switchblade.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 27 Aug. 2026
  • If the trade does go through as is, then other questions about the Raptors sprout up — namely, what is to come of RJ Barrett, the 26-year-old switchblade entering the final season of his contract and eligible for an extension this summer.
    — Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of switchblade
Noun
  • The bag is big enough to hold all your travel essentials—even a small umbrella or tablet—and features two slip pockets and one zip pocket inside.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Babar looked to pull Archer but, too late, tried to fend off a 91 mph (147 kph) delivery that ricocheted off his glove and helmet and ballooned to Jordan Cox at third slip.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of slip

Browse Nearby Words

jacking (up)
jackknife
jackknives
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Cite this Entry

“Jackknife.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackknife. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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