Definition of shanknext
slang
as in knife
an instrument with a metal length that has a sharp edge for cutting slashed at the prison guard with a shank he had secretly made from a scrap of metal

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 shank Rounding out the trio is a take on the Air Max 95 Neon with orange substitutions on its Big Bubble heel unit and eyestay loops and a green and orange gradient on the outsole’s shank. — Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 30 June 2026 Mordecai If your dad loves baseball, take him to the bistro across from Wrigley Field for beef Wellington ($55), a lamb shank ($45) and an Old-Fashioned ($18). — Samantha Nelson, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2026 The Cook County Sheriff's office said Medina was caught with a shank in jail last week. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 1 June 2026 Those charges may also be upgraded as authorities say he was caught in jail with a six-inch shank. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shank
Noun
  • The satirical remarks drew criticism after a man later breached security at the Washington Hilton event while armed with a shotgun, handgun and several knives.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Sierra then tied Machado’s hands up with a nylon rope and threatened her with a knife.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • At one point, Slemmer broke away from Pike and tried to flee, but Pike's boyfriend, Tadaryl Shipp, grabbed her and held her down while Pike slashed her with the box cutter.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Powerful cutters have whirred to life on a giant drill that will begin boring a new train tunnel under the Hudson River connecting Manhattan to New Jersey.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shank. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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