as in downing
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall
the exuberant dog bowled over several children
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bowling (down or over)
Verb
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See the scene And while a big tent on the beach packed with people downing burgers, drinking tequila or Kim Crawford wine and dancing to a DJ with a soft spot for Bad Bunny is not exactly luxurious, the black truffle remained for this event.—
Connie Ogle
Updated February 20,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026 -
The video, leaning into Kennedy's ultra-macho aesthetic, shows him in a man-cave of sorts, working out in blue jeans and downing raw milk.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This jaw-dropping arts center also hosts plays, dance performances, classical concerts, and contemporary music gigs by major names such as Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Björk, New Order, Paul Weller, and Lorde.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Sub-freezing temperatures are expected to linger Friday morning, dropping as low as 20 degrees.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Jascoco The cows stampeded into a neighborhood, knocking over mailboxes, trampling fences, and bumping into cars as they were being chased.—
Julie Sharp,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
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Again, the bots were not always gainly—one viral video showed a humanoid veering off a running track and knocking over a human spectator—but the atmosphere was one of dynamism and experimentation.—
James Vincent,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Verb
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But when it was first announced, the project was not well-received by some residents, who argued that knocking down five existing apartment complexes to make room for the project could accelerate gentrification.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
14 Feb. 2026
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Well, the two-time Eastern Conference rookie of the month is one of only two players in the NBA this season who’s averaging 15 points and five rebounds per game while knocking down at least 42% from 3-point range.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Bowling (down or over).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bowling%20%28down%20or%20over%29. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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