thwacks

Hits with force

Thwacks are sharp, resounding blows—the kind that make a satisfying smack on contact: The thwacks of the paddle echoed across the gym.

The word captures both the action and its distinctive sound.

As a verb, to thwack is to strike with such force: She thwacked the rug with a broom.

striking

smacks

Sharp open-handed hits

slapsOpen-handed blows
hitsBlows or successes
swatsStrikes with force

cracks · clouts · clobbers · bashes · thumps · pounds · strikes · belts · slugs · raps

sound

crack

Narrow break or attempt

snapSudden sharp sound
smackStrike with open hand
popFizzy drink, regionally

clap · whap · slapping · sharp · loud · resounding · echoing · satisfying · crisp · distinct

discipline

spanks

Strikes the buttocks

paddlesHandheld water propulsion tools
switchesCircuit opening devices
canesSupportive walking sticks

punishment · correction · swats · smacks · birch · ruler · belt · strap · reprimand · chastisement

sports

racket

Uproar, scam, or paddle

paddleFlat-bladed water tool
batFlying mammal or sports club
ballSpherical plaything or gala

tennis · badminton · squash · pickleball · shuttlecock · volley · swing · serve · return · backhand

Opposites

force/intensity of contact

thwackstaps

Light repeated touches

pats · brushes · grazes · dabs · touches

manner of physical interaction

thwackscaresses

Touches gently with love

strokes · pets · fondles · massages · soothes

Family

thwack, thwacked, thwacking

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G