1
as in bastard
a person whose behavior is offensive to others
his constant rudeness and insensitivity made everyone think he was a real jerk
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
1
as in to yank
to move or cause to move with a sharp quick motion
I jerked to one side to avoid getting hit jerked the leash to get the dog's attention
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to twitch
to make jerky or restless movements
you've got to quit jerking, or the barber will nick you by accident
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
the car jerked with every shift of the gear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of jerk
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
But with Chase alternating between sunny tour guide and cagey sparring partner, Zenovich manages to surgically separate jerk from unconventional genius, as well as the wounded man underneath.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Christa Swanson, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Giddey stopped, the ball cradled in his palm, shouting while jerking his hand in the rough direction of his intended pass.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jerk
Noun
No gasoline from water taxis, no jerk smoke from a beach shack, no sunscreen haze wafting off a catamaran day trip.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Feb. 2026
But with Chase alternating between sunny tour guide and cagey sparring partner, Zenovich manages to surgically separate jerk from unconventional genius, as well as the wounded man underneath.
—Ben Crandell, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2026
Verb
Don't jerk the steering wheel, as the overreaction can cause the vehicle to slide further or roll.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 7 Mar. 2026
Giddey stopped, the ball cradled in his palm, shouting while jerking his hand in the rough direction of his intended pass.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for jerk
Recent Examples of Synonyms for jerk
Noun
-
Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic, which won the Academy Award for visual effects and spawned an enduring franchise, turns the commercial towing vessel Nostromo — essentially a tug-hauling cargo ship — into something claustrophobic and unforgiving.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Field Day Song The Melon Patch kids compete in fun Field Day activities and learn the power of teamwork with activities like tug of war and relay races.—
Kara Nesvig,
Parents,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Republican president had initially endorsed Hurd in October, only to yank back his support in February.—
Seth Klamann,
Denver Post,
20 Mar. 2026
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In 2010, Fox waited until just a few days before the launch of Mark Burnett show Our Little Genius to yank the series from its lineup over questions about the integrity of the production.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The vocals twitch as a backflipping commotion takes over the streets.—
Pitchfork,
Pitchfork,
20 Mar. 2026
-
As the drugs started flowing, King began breathing heavily, his body twitching.—
DAVID FISCHER THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Another climb for oil prices shook stock markets on Friday, as hopes collapsed for a possible cut to interest rates this year by the Federal Reserve.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Mar. 2026
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Heavy explosions shook Dubai early Friday as air defenses intercepted incoming fire over the city, where people were observing Eid al-Fitr, the end of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and mosques made the day's first call to prayers.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Authorities say, in another case, a dog sold as a service animal to a paralyzed veteran ended up attacking him.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
-
In the harsh afternoon sun, it was deserted except for dogs dozing on the rocks, and lovers seeking a shred of privacy.—
Taran Khan,
The Dial,
24 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Emotional rug-pulls arrive in the form of happy surprises that stretch the third act too long and test the limits of our disbelief.—
Katie Walsh,
Boston Herald,
19 Mar. 2026
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But the pull to produce in lower-cost countries like China and Mexico remains strong for all US manufacturers.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Over the course of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s term, CPS has lurched from budget crisis to budget crisis, able only to muddle through due to record-breaking mayoral declarations of tax-increment-financing surpluses.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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There are plenty of differences, but the stability Atleti have fostered in sticking with Simeone stands in stark contrast to Spurs’ habit of lurching between managers, styles and approaches.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Diamond Crystal or Morton kosher salt over and toss to coat.—
Hana Asbrink,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Mar. 2026
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So had Florida not decided to tweak its offense to emphasize paint touches, dwindling the bricks its guards had regularly tossed through the first two disastrous months, this could have been a historic season.—
Noah White,
Miami Herald,
22 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Jerk.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/jerk. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
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