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
  • 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
  • Police allegedly found a pocketknife on him and a gun in the vehicle.
    — Mamie Bah, CBS News, 30 June 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
  • Metcalf pushed Anthony, according to witnesses, who said Anthony then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the chest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The white cross with red surround has long been a sacred badge in the world of knives, indicating the timeless dependability and versatility of the Swiss Army knife.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of knife
Noun
  • Alongside the arrival of Araujo, Jacquet has been back in training and both are set to be available for Liverpool’s final pre-season double-header against Serie A side Como on Sunday.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Felipe Mora’s header was saved by Javier Otero, but Sebastián Pérez Bouquet was there to get on the end of the rebound to put San Luis back in the game.
    — Kyle Foley, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of header
Noun
  • True to form, Bladee’s daggers land with a delivery as sweet and honeyed as mead in his ethereal voice.
    — Vogue, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The dagger goal with which Gotham FC sunk the record-breaking KC Current in 2025 was out of the second phase of a set piece.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
Definition of dagger
Noun
  • Unlike other meat products, the cost of chicken has seen little fluctuation in recent months, so much so that July’s 3-cent drop signaled the single biggest monthly change dating back to November 2024.
    — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The critic who found a helpful narrative to understand the history, and future, of our images, without a drop of cynicism.
    — Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • 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
  • It’s been a quarter century since the mostly Canadian supergroup New Pornographers sprang from the florid imagination of Carl Newman, a pop savant with an angel’s voice and switchblade wit.
    — Elizabeth Nelson, Pitchfork, 8 Apr. 2026
Definition of switchblade
Noun
  • Crisp poplin picks aren’t the only nighties worth noting—longline maxis have endless versatility throughout the season, as do slinky black slips.
    — Laura Jackson, Vogue, 17 Aug. 2026
  • She was also spotted out and about in a brown fringed slip dress.
    — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of slip

Browse Nearby Words

jacking (up)
jackknife
jackknives
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jackknife.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jackknife. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of jackknife for Spanish Speakers

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