Find the word that fits

Stab: alternatives and connections

Begin with the reviewed alternatives, then explore broader connections without treating every related word as an automatic substitute.

Try an example: important law show help change happy
26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives
90,593 searchable synonym connections
350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type
Start with the meaning

Stab

To pierce with a pointed weapon; to wound or kill by the thrust of a pointed instrument; as, to stab a man with a dagger; also, to thrust; as, to stab a dagger into a person.

70 useful connections shown 33 reviewed relationships and 37 broader connections.
Best place to begin

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 9

Attempt 76% connected

To make trial or experiment of; to try; to endeavor to do or perform (some action); to assay; as, to attempt to sing; to attempt a bold flight.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Blow 76% connected

To flower; to blossom; to bloom.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Effort 76% connected

An exertion of strength or power, whether physical or mental, in performing an act or aiming at an object; more or less strenuous endeavor; struggle…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Endeavor 76% connected

To exert physical or intellectual strength for the attainment of; to use efforts to effect; to strive to achieve or reach; to try; to attempt.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Feeling 76% connected

of Feel

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Injure 76% connected

To do harm to; to impair the excellence and value of; to hurt; to damage; -- used in a variety of senses; as: (a) To hurt or wound, as the person; to…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Thrust 76% connected

Thrist.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Try 76% connected

To divide or separate, as one sort from another; to winnow; to sift; to pick out; -- frequently followed by out; as, to try out the wild corn from th…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Wound 76% connected

of Wind

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

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

Manner of action 4

Bayonet 76% connected

A pointed instrument of the dagger kind fitted on the muzzle of a musket or rifle, so as to give the soldier increased means of offense and defense.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Goad 76% connected

A pointed instrument used to urge on a beast; hence, any necessity that urges or stimulates.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Poniard 76% connected

A kind of dagger, -- usually a slender one with a triangular or square blade.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Prick 76% connected

That which pricks, penetrates, or punctures; a sharp and slender thing; a pointed instrument; a goad; a spur, etc.; a point; a skewer.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Narrower term 3

Lunge 76% connected

A sudden thrust or pass, as with a sword.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Passado 76% connected

A pass or thrust.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Remise 76% connected

To send, give, or grant back; to release a claim to; to resign or surrender by deed; to return.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Derivationally related 8

Poke 74% connected

A large North American herb of the genus Phytolacca (P. decandra), bearing dark purple juicy berries; -- called also garget, pigeon berry, pocan, and…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Poke 74% connected

A large North American herb of the genus Phytolacca (P. decandra), bearing dark purple juicy berries; -- called also garget, pigeon berry, pocan, and…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Poking 74% connected

of Poke

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Poking 74% connected

of Poke

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Stabber 74% connected

One who, or that which, stabs; a privy murderer.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Stabber 74% connected

One who, or that which, stabs; a privy murderer.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Thrust 74% connected

Thrist.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Thrust 74% connected

Thrist.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Synonym 9

Dig 92% connected

To turn up, or delve in, (earth) with a spade or a hoe; to open, loosen, or break up (the soil) with a spade, or other sharp instrument; to pierce, o…

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.

Jab 92% connected

To thrust; to stab; to punch. See Job, v. t.

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.

Knife 92% connected

An instrument consisting of a thin blade, usually of steel and having a sharp edge for cutting, fastened to a handle, but of many different forms and…

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.

Pang 92% connected

A paroxysm of extreme pain or anguish; a sudden and transitory agony; a throe; as, the pangs of death.

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.

Poke 92% connected

A large North American herb of the genus Phytolacca (P. decandra), bearing dark purple juicy berries; -- called also garget, pigeon berry, pocan, and…

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.

Prod 92% connected

A pointed instrument for pricking or puncturing, as a goad, an awl, a skewer, etc.

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.

Shot 92% connected

of Shoot

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.

Thrust 92% connected

Thrist.

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.

Twinge 92% connected

To pull with a twitch; to pinch; to tweak.

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.

Explore further

Words from the same subject

These terms belong to the same specialist field or topic. They help you explore the subject, but they are not automatically synonyms.

Explore further

Words connected by meaning

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