smack
16 synonyms for smack, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sharp, stinging slap or blow.
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.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A sharp, stinging slap or blow.
“He gave the mosquito a smack before it could bite him.”
How to use smack
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
smack of hypocrisy
smack in the face
a smack of
The drug sense is informal slang and should be used carefully depending on context.
Etymology
From Old English "smæċċ," meaning taste or flavor, related to a Germanic root for "to taste" — the "hit" and "kiss" senses developed later from the sharp sound involved.
Full origin of smack →Frequently asked questions
What does “smack” mean?
The word “smack” means a sharp, stinging slap or blow. In plain terms, can mean a sharp hit, a hint of something, or (as slang) the drug heroin.
How do you pronounce “smack”?
“Smack” is pronounced smak (/smæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “smack” in a sentence?
Here is “smack” used in a sentence: “He gave the mosquito a smack before it could bite him.”
What part of speech is “smack”?
Depending on how it is used, “smack” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “smack” come from?
The word “smack” comes from Old English. From Old English "smæċċ," meaning taste or flavor, related to a Germanic root for "to taste" — the "hit" and "kiss" senses developed later from the sharp sound involved.
Is “smack” a common word?
“Smack” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “smack” have?
“Smack” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sharp, stinging slap or blow.
What is the difference between a smack and a slap?
A smack is a sharp, stinging blow, often delivered with the open hand like a slap, but "smack" can refer to any sharp hit, not just one aimed at the face.
Is smack ever used as slang for a drug?
Yes, smack is slang for heroin, a usage entirely separate from its meanings related to hitting or a hint of a quality.
Is smack formal or informal?
Smack is an informal, everyday word in all of its senses and is not typically used in formal writing.
