knot 1 of 2

noun

ˈnät How to pronounce knot (audio)
Definition of knotnext
1
as in cluster
a number of things considered as a unit from the summit we could see knots of houses up and down the river valley

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2
as in swelling
a small rounded mass of swollen tissue felt a small knot on the back of his head

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3
as in link
a uniting or binding force or influence their business partnership is strengthened by the knot of personal friendship

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4
as in grouping
a usually small number of persons considered as a unit knots of people were quietly chatting around the meeting hall

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5
as in problem
something that requires thought and skill for resolution the situation involved so many legal knots that we decided to get a lawyer

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knot

2 of 2

verb

as in to tangle
to twist together into a usually confused mass the extension cords were hopelessly knotted together

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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 knot
Noun
Although the Navy has never officially disclosed the class’s maximum speed, publicly available estimates place it at over 35 knots while submerged. — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026 Common threats include aphids, plum curculio beetles, black knot fungus, and brown rot. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
Some sort of pink fabric was knotted up around where the ratchet strap was strung from the tree. — Caitlin McGlade, Charlotte Observer, 22 July 2026 Wear it as a top like this guest, tie it around your head on second-day hair, or knot it at your waist to breathe new life into a simple outfit. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for knot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knot
  1. cluster
  2. swelling
  3. link
  4. grouping
  5. problem
  6. tangle
  7. batch
  8. lump
Noun
  • This year, the agency has already posted 20 investigations and says work remains active for 18 foodborne illness clusters.
    — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
  • District leaders say that no recommendations have been made at this time and that the examination of the schools in the six clusters will continue until October.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of cluster
Noun
  • Susac, whose season is likely over, is currently using crutches while wearing a large black brace on his knee while the swelling goes down.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Compression socks prevent swelling and discomfort in the legs by stimulating circulation.
    — Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of swelling
Noun
  • The Zoom link will be sent to registrants as soon as their participation is confirmed.
    — Vogue Business Team, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
  • This highlights a consistent and massive link between content piracy and the unregulated gambling economy.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of link
Noun
  • The grouping includes two chaises, a loveseat, and a pop-up bed that transforms the 122-inch-wide sectional into a cozy siesta destination.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Aug. 2026
  • That meant the only way someone could remember the depth chart, personnel groupings or key moments was by relying on a brain capable of collecting a whole lot of information in real time.
    — Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of grouping
Noun
  • The property's listing agent told CBS News Bay Area that Iriarte-Valdez had mentioned experiencing financial problems and that the home appeared to be headed toward foreclosure.
    — Maddie White, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Defensiveness extends conversations, weakens credibility and drains emotional energy that could have been directed toward solving problems.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of problem
Verb
  • The ceiling arches in the back, hiding a tiny alcove where a couple sits tucked close, their legs tangled beneath the table.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Then Cox-Rosen found another jam on I-75 southbound at the South 120 Loop (Exit 263), where four or five vehicles and a box truck tangled.
    — Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of tangle
Noun
  • A day later, another batch of government data showed that prices paid to wholesalers by producers of goods had been left unchanged in July, coming in lower than economists’ expected.
    — Max Zahn, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Uganda received its first batch of nearly 20,000 doses of lenacapavir in February and began distributing it in April, one month behind schedule.
    — Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of batch
Noun
  • With this approach, creditors are asked to accept less than the amount owed in return for a lump-sum payment.
    — Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, a group of scientists reported that lumps of metal on the Pacific seafloor—which happened to be the target of seabed-mining operations—seemed to be producing dark oxygen.
    — James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of lump

Phrases Containing knot

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knolls
knot
knothole
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on knot

Nglish: Translation of knot for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about knot

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