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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The Patriots have won all of those playoff appearances, downing the Chargers in the AFC Divisional Round in 2007 and 2019, while beating the Chargers in the AFC Championship in 2008.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026 -
Cathedral Catholic Girls soccer Collecting two goals and two assists while playing smothering defense, the senior led the Dons to a 2-0-1 record in the Excalibur Tournament, downing Huntington Beach Edison 1-0 in the finale.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Packers finished a season that began with Super Bowl hopes by dropping five in a row.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll midseason after blowing a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to the Chicago Bears, a game in which rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart sustained a concussion, dropping them to 2-8.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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Surveillance video shows a man, alleged to be Eichorst, knocking over and damaging the menorah, causing about $500 in damage.—
Steven Yablonski,
CBS News,
23 Dec. 2025
Verb
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South San Joaquin County Fire Authority However, after knocking down the flames, fire officials say crews found a person dead inside the shop.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
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Luka Dončić had his way against the Hornets’ defense throughout the night, knocking down five 3-pointers in a 38-point performance.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
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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 11 Jan. 2026.
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