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Detent: alternatives and connections

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Detent

That which locks or unlocks a movement; a catch, pawl, or dog; especially, in clockwork, the catch which locks and unlocks the wheelwork in striking.

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43 useful connections shown 7 reviewed relationships and 36 broader connections.
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Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

These links were deliberately created. Use the interchangeability score and guidance to judge whether a word will work in your sentence.

Broader term 2

Catch 76% connected

To lay hold on; to seize, especially with the hand; to grasp (anything) in motion, with the effect of holding; as, to catch a ball.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

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Stop 76% connected

To close, as an aperture, by filling or by obstructing; as, to stop the ears; hence, to stanch, as a wound.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

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Containing whole 2

Ratch 70% connected

Same as Rotche.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a containing group, substance or whole.

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Ratchet 70% connected

A pawl, click, or detent, for holding or propelling a ratchet wheel, or ratch, etc.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a containing group, substance or whole.

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Synonym 3

Click 92% connected

To make a slight, sharp noise (or a succession of such noises), as by gentle striking; to tick.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

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Dog 92% connected

A quadruped of the genus Canis, esp. the domestic dog (C. familiaris).

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Definition Compare both words
Pawl 92% connected

A pivoted tongue, or sliding bolt, on one part of a machine, adapted to fall into notches, or interdental spaces, on another part, as a ratchet wheel…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Definition Compare both words
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Words connected by meaning

Their definitions overlap or refer to similar ideas. Use these to widen your search, then compare the exact meanings.

Bitts n. pl. · 78% connection

A frame of two strong timbers fixed perpendicularly in the fore part of a ship, on which to fasten the cables as the ship rides at anc…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Carcel lamp unknown · 78% connection

A French mechanical lamp, for lighthouses, in which a superabundance of oil is pumped to the wick tube by clockwork.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Carillon noun · 78% connection

A chime of bells diatonically tuned, played by clockwork or by finger keys.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Catchdrain noun · 78% connection

A ditch or drain along the side of a hill to catch the surface water; also, a ditch at the side of a canal to catch the surplus water.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Chronograph noun · 78% connection

An instrument for measuring or recording intervals of time, upon a revolving drum or strip of paper moved by clockwork. The action of…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Circulation noun · 78% connection

The movement of the blood in the blood-vascular system, by which it is brought into close relations with almost every living elementar…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Clocklike adjective · 78% connection

Like a clock or like clockwork; mechanical.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Collision noun · 78% connection

The act of striking together; a striking together, as of two hard bodies; a violent meeting, as of railroad trains; a clashing.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Cross-spall noun · 78% connection

One of the temporary wooden braces, placed horizontally across a frame to hold it in position until the deck beams are in; a cross-paw…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Entrap verb · 78% connection

To catch in a trap; to insnare; hence, to catch, as in a trap, by artifices; to involve in difficulties or distresses; to catch or inv…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Evolution noun · 78% connection

A prescribed movement of a body of troops, or a vessel or fleet; any movement designed to effect a new arrangement or disposition; a m…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Fingering noun · 78% connection

The manner of using the fingers in playing or striking the keys of an instrument of music; movement or management of the fingers in pl…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Flint noun · 78% connection

A piece of flint for striking fire; -- formerly much used, esp. in the hammers of gun locks.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Hawk verb · 78% connection

To catch, or attempt to catch, birds by means of hawks trained for the purpose, and let loose on the prey; to practice falconry.

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Heliostat noun · 78% connection

An instrument consisting of a mirror moved by clockwork, by which a sunbeam is made apparently stationary, by being steadily directed…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Hiccough noun · 78% connection

A modified respiratory movement; a spasmodic inspiration, consisting of a sudden contraction of the diaphragm, accompanied with closur…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Hook verb · 78% connection

To catch or fasten with a hook or hooks; to seize, capture, or hold, as with a hook, esp. with a disguised or baited hook; hence, to s…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
Inflict verb · 78% connection

To give, cause, or produce by striking, or as if by striking; to apply forcibly; to lay or impose; to send; to cause to bear, feel, or…

Its definition shares important concepts with this word: locks, unlocks, movement, catch, pawl.
Definition Compare
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