knave
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for knave, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A dishonest or deceitful man.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
From Old English cnafa, originally just meaning "boy" or "male servant." Over the centuries the word's meaning darkened from a harmless term for a young servant into one for a dishonest, untrustworthy man.
Full origin of knave →Frequently asked questions
What does “knave” mean?
The word “knave” means a dishonest or deceitful man. In plain terms, an old-fashioned word for a dishonest, scheming man — or, in cards, another name for the jack.
How do you pronounce “knave”?
“Knave” is pronounced nayv (/neɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “knave” in a sentence?
Here is “knave” used in a sentence: “The play's villain is a scheming knave who betrays his own brother.”
What part of speech is “knave”?
“Knave” is a noun.
Where does the word “knave” come from?
The word “knave” comes from Old English. From Old English cnafa, originally just meaning "boy" or "male servant." Over the centuries the word's meaning darkened from a harmless term for a young servant into one for a dishonest, untrustworthy man.
How many meanings does “knave” have?
“Knave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a dishonest or deceitful man.
