jackknife

noun

Definition of jackknifenext
1
as in pocketknife

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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
  • It is alleged that the altercation escalated, and Cawthon produced a pocketknife, threatened the victim and stabbed the victim's dog, according to prosecutors.
    — Karma Sabbah, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz, featuring a controversy over an attorney’s social media post and a pocketknife discovered by Transportation Security Administration officers.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of pocketknife
Noun
  • Chuck Sargent Houston USC executes yet another belly flop against a top opponent, and Gary Patterson’s vaunted defense is giving up more than 35 points per game in the Big Ten.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of belly flop
Noun
  • The lid for covering food on the grill and the magnetic wall strip for knife and utensil storage lack cleaning.
    — NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Tucked in a slit in the back cover is a Cabello’s receipt for six rifles, ten smoke grenades, two hunting knives, a hundred zip ties, three KitKats.
    — George Saunders, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of knife
Noun
  • Florida Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon and independent progressive Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders countered the recent onslaught of campaign advertisements against her in a double-header rally in Gainesville Sunday.
    — Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Houston pulled even four minutes into the second half on a header by Héctor Herrera for his third goal this season — with a corner-kick assist from Guilherme Santos, who has 10 of them to go along with 16 goals in his first season in the league.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of header
Noun
  • Despite the double-digit lead, TCU failed to deliver the dagger offensively and gave Baylor multiple chances to mount a comeback.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Nik Bonitto stripped wideout Rashid Shaheed in scoring territory, Kris Abrams-Draine pulled down a fourth-quarter interception, and McMillian delivered the dagger in overtime.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of dagger
Noun
  • To Nothing’s credit, the case gets IPX2 ingress protection, so a drop of rain now and then shouldn’t kill it.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Vaibhav steps into the India lineup in place of Ishan Kishan who has a groin injury and will bat at first drop unless India chooses to match him in an all left hand opening partnership with Abhishek Sharma.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of drop
Noun
  • Markos takes revenge by slicing up Matt’s face with a switchblade, leaving him horribly disfigured and his acting career essentially over.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Officers found a switchblade and a glass drug pipe in his pants pockets, according to the complaint.
    — Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of switchblade
Noun
  • Equally responsible for this Bentley’s milestone handling are the Supersports’ electronic limited-slip differential, rear-wheel steering, suspension aided by a 48-volt active anti-roll bar, and enormous carbon-silicon-carbide brakes.
    — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The digital telemetry monitor logs over 80 driving telemetry points per second including live motor temperatures, side-slip angles and brake pressure curves to offer real-time tutorial graphics to help drivers adjust their driving lines.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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