DOWNING Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

downing

verb

Definition of downing next

present participle of down

as in dropping

to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall downed his opponent with one stunning blow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in sipping

to take into the stomach through the mouth and throat downing slices of pizza and guzzling bottles of soda

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in dismissing

to reject by or as if by a vote all attempts to ban indoor smoking had been downed by the town council

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of downing The cost of action The first instance of NATO nations downing drones came last year, when Polish and Dutch fighters destroyed three Russian drones over Poland. —

David Brennan, ABC News, 2 May 2026 As the sun sets, the fruit bats swoop among the trees as couples and young families lounge on large poolside cabanas, downing languid cocktails and listening to live guitar strums before heading for a casual dinner. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Apr. 2026 In Georgia alone, 13,954 square miles of forest land was hit by Hurricane Helene, downing more than 26 million tons of pine and 30 million tons of hardwood, according to a November 2024 University of Georgia and Georgia Forestry Commission timber damage assessment. —

Seth Borenstein, Los Angeles Times, 26 Apr. 2026 While the 9-9-9 Challenge has fans downing nine hot dogs and nine beers in nine innings, the Flyers kicked off their home postseason slate with the Philly Hat Trick Challenge. —

Matt Reigle Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026 These winds will be capable of snapping tree branches and downing power lines. —

Ahmad Bajjey, CBS News, 14 Apr. 2026 After downing the Cavaliers 124-102 on Friday night at State Farm Arena, the Hawks will bypass the Play-In Tournament for the first time since 2021. —

Lauren Williams, AJC.com, 11 Apr. 2026 Winds exceeding 50 mph can cause major damage, downing trees and power lines, and sending debris flying dangerously. —

Shannon Tyler, Idaho Statesman, 10 Apr. 2026 Some of its members have rallied under the screwy rap banner Chugg, which came from affiliates Cash300 and Onemillionkisses’ birthdays in 2023, when the crew was watching the YouTuber BadlandsChugs, who won a Guinness World Record for downing a liter of Mountain Dew in six seconds. —

Pitchfork, 20 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for downing

Verb

In that incident, Burke approached an officer, pulled a stick from a garbage can and held it at his side for about three seconds before dropping it, police said.

— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 8 May 2026
After dropping during the Covid pandemic, the share of people working more than one job has increased over the past few years, government data shows.

— Stephanie Dhue, CNBC, 8 May 2026