Definitions

knock on wood

VERB

hope

Synonyms

STRONGEST

anticipate assume believe cherish count on expect hold wish

STRONG

aspire await contemplate desire foresee pray presume rely suppose surmise suspect sweat trust

WEAK

be sure of deem likely depend on feel confident hang in have faith keep fingers crossed look at sunny side look forward to promise oneself sweat it sweat it out take heart think to watch for

Antonyms

STRONGEST

abandon disbelieve distrust doubt forsake

STRONG

know

WEAK

despair fear

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

And as we progress, knock on wood, we’ll learn about his life before his family — his wife and child.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 2024

“I’m feeling good, feeling healthy and, knock on wood, hopefully it stays that way.”

From Washington Times • May 11, 2023

This is intended as optimism, but she hears it as ominous foreshadowing: “I immediately want to knock on wood and light some sage.”

From Washington Post • Dec. 9, 2022

“Right now, I feel healthy. I have to knock on wood that I feel good. Also, I think, mentally I’m really recharged.”

From Seattle Times • May 21, 2022

It takes away your immunity, makes you knock on wood and count your blessings the next time you hear a siren at night.

From "Bodega Dreams" by Ernesto Quinonez

knock on wood

Example Sentences

Related Words