KO 1 of 2

noun

Definition of KOnext
as in knockdown

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KO

2 of 2

verb

as in to kayo

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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 KO
Noun
Despite it being expected to be a tight match, chances are that someone wins by KO/TKO/DQ or decision before all rounds are up. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026 This week, just steps from the garden, Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech (mYSLm), a 43,000-square-foot museum designed by the architectural firm Studio KO, opens its doors to the public. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Aug. 2026 Kennedy Nzechukwu Heavyweight KO in Round 1 Chris Padilla def. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 It’s commonly known as a walkoff KO, and O’Malley has mastered the celebration in recent years. — Mark Puleo, New York Times, 15 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for KO
Recent Examples of Synonyms for KO
  1. knockdown
  2. kayo
  3. knockout
  4. knock out
  5. uppercut
  6. knock over
  7. roundhouse
  8. fell
Noun
  • That could be a permanent uphill battle unless Fox, Castle and/or Harper can be a legit knockdown deep shooter in the playoffs.
    — Jared Weiss, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The fines come a month after firefighters declared an official knockdown of the stubborn warehouse blaze, which sent thick smoke into the surrounding neighborhoods and across Southern California.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 July 2026
Definition of knockdown
Verb
  • Sucker-punched by surprise storms and kayoed by hurricanes, it has been swamped, splintered and even swept out to sea on nearly a dozen occasions — always to rise from the sand for that next bout with nature.
    — Mike Klingaman, Baltimore Sun, 26 May 2025
  • Now the coronavirus, which has kayoed sports across America and forced many minor league teams to furlough workers, could wind up sealing the fate of the Bees, the pride and joy of Burlington, Iowa.
    — NBC News, NBC News, 27 Apr. 2020
Definition of kayo
Noun
  • The top four advance directly to the quarterfinals and the clubs finishing between fifth and 12th compete in knockout phase playoffs in February.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The new track fuses Scott’s trap foundation with Homem-Christo’s cinematic electronic soundscape, making for what’s sure to be a knockout background song for the beloved game.
    — Kyle Denis, Billboard, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of knockout
Verb
  • On a dry summer day, workers ran for their lives as a deluge of water knocked out pumps and electrical equipment.
    — Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The Rise Of Proxy Cyber Warfare Nations are weaponizing cyberattacks to knock out critical infrastructure, from power grids to communications networks.
    — Steve Durbin, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of knock out
Noun
  • If last year’s bill delays were a blow to budgets, distribution troubles were the uppercut.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Throwing the uppercut is less important than being able to absorb one.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of uppercut
Verb
  • Earlier that day, at a different campaign event about 90 miles east in Canfield, a man carrying two handguns, brass knuckles, and a Taser had barreled toward Acton while yelling her name, knocking over an elderly couple in the crowd.
    — Sarah Todd, STAT, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Regional Parks Department said on social media that at least 10 light poles and several street signs were knocked over.
    — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of knock over
Noun
  • The pair exchange blows, and LaPenna holds his own for a while before a powerful roundhouse kick sends him across the ring.
    — Adam England, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The man was well known for his tough guy persona and adept skill at roundhouse kicks to the face.
    — Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of roundhouse
Verb
  • Yet trees that took a millennium to grow can be felled in under an hour.
    — Annika Hammerschlag, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Vines are pulled away from fences, and sometimes trees are even felled.
    — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026
Definition of fell

Browse Nearby Words

knurly
KO
KO'd
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Cite this Entry

“KO.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/KO. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on KO

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about KO

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