tack
19 synonyms for tack, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A short nail with a broad, flat head.
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 short nail with a broad, flat head.
“He pinned the poster to the corkboard with a tack.”
How to use tack
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
change tack
a different tack
thumb tack
horse tack
Etymology
From Middle English tak/takke, meaning a hook or nail, from an Old Northern French word for a peg or pin.
Full origin of tack →Frequently asked questions
What does “tack” mean?
The word “tack” means a short nail with a broad, flat head. In plain terms, depending on context: a small nail, a change in approach or direction, or horse-riding equipment.
How do you pronounce “tack”?
“Tack” is pronounced tak (/tæk/ in IPA).
How do you use “tack” in a sentence?
Here is “tack” used in a sentence: “He pinned the poster to the corkboard with a tack.”
What part of speech is “tack”?
Depending on how it is used, “tack” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tack” come from?
The word “tack” comes from French. From Middle English tak/takke, meaning a hook or nail, from an Old Northern French word for a peg or pin.
Is “tack” a common word?
“Tack” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tack” have?
“Tack” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a short nail with a broad, flat head.
