1
as in to succumb
to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control)
encouraged her to stand firm and not knuckle under to political pressure
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to surrender
to yield to the control or power of enemy forces
the remote outpost was overrun and forced to knuckle under
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knuckle under
Some owners show their mettle for a spell, then find adequate reason to knuckle under; others have no intention of even pretending to do what is hard or what is right.
—
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Everyone, including the media, knuckles under.
—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
24 Feb. 2026
That’s a clear message to others to get in line and knuckle under — or else.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
How much of this is a bluff designed to get Senate Democrats to knuckle under and vote to reopen the government and how much of this is wishcasting by MAGA?
—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
10 Oct. 2025
David Remnick,
New Yorker,
29 May 2026
Everyone, including the media, knuckles under.
—
Bill Goodykoontz,
AZCentral.com,
24 Feb. 2026
That’s a clear message to others to get in line and knuckle under — or else.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
14 Jan. 2026
How much of this is a bluff designed to get Senate Democrats to knuckle under and vote to reopen the government and how much of this is wishcasting by MAGA?
—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knuckle under
Verb
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Sydney briefly, and understandably, succumbed to the impulse to lash out, something that Carmy has done on more than one occasion while acting as head chef.
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Ryan was pronounced dead at the scene, while Andrew succumbed to his injuries six days later.
Verb
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In a friendly in Tokyo last October, Brazil surrendered a two-goal halftime lead and watched Japan pull ahead for an eventual 3-2 victory.
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More than 700 dogs remain unaccounted for Investigators have reviewed records showing that 918 dogs had been surrendered and transferred to Miranda’s Rescue from January 2025 to April 2026, Honsal said.
Verb
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At that point, Mills said, Kamlager-Dove’s office submitted inquiries to the Postal Service asking about the reason for the closure and what is being done to alleviate the burden on customers.
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To qualify, a patient's provider must submit a prior authorization request showing that the patient is being prescribed a GLP-1 for weight loss.
Verb
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While scoring goals left and right, the Dutch have also conceded a goal in every game, four in all.
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Baltimore will be getting its first female sheriff after incumbent Sam Cogen conceded to Sabrina Tapp-Harper in Maryland's primary election.
Verb
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France coach Didier Deschamps bowed when his star came to the bench after he was substituted in the 85th minute.
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An adventure bowing to higher authority, raising yourself above nothing and no one.
Cite this Entry
“Knuckle under.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knuckle%20under. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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