1
as in clusters
a number of things considered as a unit
from the summit we could see knots of houses up and down the river valley
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in swellings
a small rounded mass of swollen tissue
felt a small knot on the back of his head
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in links
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 groupings
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 problems
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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as in tangles
to twist together into a usually confused mass
the extension cords were hopelessly knotted together
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knots
Jim Hoagland, Outdoor Life, 30 Apr. 2026
It’s powered by harmonic resonance technology, using rhythmic pulses to gently and effectively comb through knots.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
Sea trials conducted in February showed that in 20 knots of wind, Corinthian can hit 12 knots under sail alone—a first for a ship of this size, according to Orient Express.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
Well, Simpson was wound up in knots.
—Michael Pressman, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
These engines are expected to push the vessel to speeds of 30 to 31 knots (about 35 to 36 miles per hour).
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
MassWildlife instructors will help attendees set up their rods, tie knots, and cast, while MassAbility provides adaptive equipment for those who may need accommodations.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
My therapist seemed to mould my aching limbs like clay, teasing out knots in my back and paying special attention to my extra-tight right shoulder.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Pilots prefer very light, steady winds — generally under about 6 knots, around 7 mph, for takeoff, with anything above roughly 10–12 knots often considered too risky depending on conditions.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 29 Nov. 2025
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
Wind gusts of the rapidly advancing storm that had capsized our canoe on Friday had been clocked at about 35 to 40 knots by the Chapleau air base.
—Jim Hoagland, Outdoor Life, 30 Apr. 2026
It’s powered by harmonic resonance technology, using rhythmic pulses to gently and effectively comb through knots.
—Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 30 Apr. 2026
Sea trials conducted in February showed that in 20 knots of wind, Corinthian can hit 12 knots under sail alone—a first for a ship of this size, according to Orient Express.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 30 Apr. 2026
Well, Simpson was wound up in knots.
—Michael Pressman, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
These engines are expected to push the vessel to speeds of 30 to 31 knots (about 35 to 36 miles per hour).
—Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
MassWildlife instructors will help attendees set up their rods, tie knots, and cast, while MassAbility provides adaptive equipment for those who may need accommodations.
—Lance Reynolds, Boston Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
My therapist seemed to mould my aching limbs like clay, teasing out knots in my back and paying special attention to my extra-tight right shoulder.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026
Pilots prefer very light, steady winds — generally under about 6 knots, around 7 mph, for takeoff, with anything above roughly 10–12 knots often considered too risky depending on conditions.
—Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
No matter how many knots a lawyer ties themselves in to get there, legality is not legitimacy.
—Jon Duffy, Mercury News, 29 Nov. 2025
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knots
Noun
-
The fragrant white, pink, or purple flower clusters appear in spring.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Solar wind charge exchange had previously been considered interference or background noise interfering with astronomers' attempts to measure the density and temperature of plasma in distant galaxies and galaxy clusters.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Infection is rapid, causing swellings in the lymph nodes (buboes) and leading to septicaemia and pulmonary infection.—
Matthew Binnicker,
Forbes.com,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Betting/odds, ticketing and streaming links in this article are provided by partners of The Athletic.—
Data Skrive,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Take control of your money with CNBC Select CNBC Select is editorially independent and may earn a commission from affiliate partners on links.—
Bradley Krae,
CNBC,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
When in a forest, stay in proximity to shorter tree groupings.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Twenty of the panels were accumulators with the same design, so the students started with these, then worked through smaller groupings of panels.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Orlando’s defense caused problems early for Detroit when the Magic forced seven turnovers in the opening four minutes and jumped out to a 19-7 lead.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
In severe pain, Connecticut resident Tenaya Taylor sought treatment for dental problems a few years ago.—
Kaitlin McCallum,
Hartford Courant,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Moore signs legislation in batches, and the bill on chicken houses was not included in his first batch earlier this month.—
Christine Condon,
Baltimore Sun,
25 Apr. 2026
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The 42,644 students entering the program will receive their notices in batches from April 22 to April 24, according to the comptroller's office.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Remember, some lumps are preferred for the loftiest results.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
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But the lumps weren’t caused by poor hygiene or weight.—
Xitlalic Montelongo,
Miami Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knots. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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