1
as in dropping
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall
downed his opponent with one stunning blow
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
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
3
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
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Recent Examples of downing
Take William Shakespeare, who is often portrayed as a carouser, downing pints while exchanging barbs with his fellow writers, cheating on his wife with both men and women, passionately engaging his quill to reimagine the very nature of the human being.
—
Isaac Butler, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025
Prosecutor Andrew Figliuzzi claimed Chambers dined at a Houston restaurant before hitting three bars on the night of the crash, per the Chronicle, allegedly downing at least six alcoholic beverages and using cocaine.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Have an experience close to sipping wine than downing grain alcohol.
—Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Then there's the mental hurdle of downing a glass of brown or yellow liquid.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
The junior running back rushed for a pair of touchdowns and caught another as his team recovered a fumble and recorded three interceptions en route to downing crosstown rival East Ridge 23-15 at TCO Stadium in Eagan.
—Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
The Russian Ministry of Defense also reported downing at least 51 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.
—Lilia Geho, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025
After downing Oceanside 32-0 on Monday night, Del Norte (12-4) was riding an 8-game winning streak.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
By Andy McCullough, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma For the first time since 2018, the Milwaukee Brewers have won a postseason series, advancing to the National League Championship Series after downing the Chicago Cubs, 3-1, in Game 5 of the National League Division Series.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Isaac Butler, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2025
Prosecutor Andrew Figliuzzi claimed Chambers dined at a Houston restaurant before hitting three bars on the night of the crash, per the Chronicle, allegedly downing at least six alcoholic beverages and using cocaine.
—Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Have an experience close to sipping wine than downing grain alcohol.
—Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
Then there's the mental hurdle of downing a glass of brown or yellow liquid.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 17 Oct. 2025
The junior running back rushed for a pair of touchdowns and caught another as his team recovered a fumble and recorded three interceptions en route to downing crosstown rival East Ridge 23-15 at TCO Stadium in Eagan.
—Frank Rajkowski, Twin Cities, 16 Oct. 2025
The Russian Ministry of Defense also reported downing at least 51 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.
—Lilia Geho, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025
After downing Oceanside 32-0 on Monday night, Del Norte (12-4) was riding an 8-game winning streak.
—Steve Brand, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Oct. 2025
By Andy McCullough, Patrick Mooney and Sahadev Sharma For the first time since 2018, the Milwaukee Brewers have won a postseason series, advancing to the National League Championship Series after downing the Chicago Cubs, 3-1, in Game 5 of the National League Division Series.
—The Athletic Mlb Staff, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downing
Verb
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Tu knows this season will look and feel a lot different for people this year (between the limited funds for gifts, traveling to see family and dropping money on once-a-year expenses).—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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The Arizona transfer torched KU last year, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and dropping 19 points.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Visitors can slip into a cozy seersucker robe and watch sailboats drift by while sipping a cocktail.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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Beyond lies a private stretch of sand — perfect for launching a kayak or paddleboard at sunrise, or sipping wine as the sun sets over Buzzards Bay.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Dallas Mavericks fired general manager Nico Harrison on Tuesday, dismissing the man who traded away fan-favorite Luka Dončić in one of the most shocking NBA trades in recent memory.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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On Wednesday, in documents obtained by Rolling Stone, a California superior court judge overseeing the lawsuit ruled in favor of Kardashian and the anti-SLAPP motion, effectively dismissing the other Cantu’s lawsuit, though the judge left open the possibility of an appeal.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
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After an incompletion on third down, McCashland’s 25-yard field goal attempt was no good, hitting the right upright with 17 seconds remaining in the half.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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When To Seek Medical Care Things like fizzy drinks, overeating, or swallowing air can cause bloating.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
7 Nov. 2025
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Signs of botulism include difficulty swallowing or breathing, slurred speech and muscle weakness.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Gerard Damiano was a smart guy, a hairdresser from the Bronx who directed Deep Throat and the follow-up, Devil in Miss Jones, which were killing it at the box office, high up on Variety’s Top 50 list of the highestgrossing films.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
6 Nov. 2025
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The storm was the deadliest typhoon to hit the country this year, killing at least 114 people, with many more reported missing — most in Cebu province, a tourist hotspot.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The Giants clinched the National League West on the final day of the regular season in 2010 before toppling the Atlanta Braves, Philadelphia Phillies and Rangers.—
Andrew Baggarly,
New York Times,
6 Nov. 2025
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There was one instance of vandals toppling monuments.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Staying active, meditating, drinking plenty of water and getting a full night’s sleep.—
Jackie Fields,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Snag drinking glasses for 50% off and organic cotton cloth napkins for more than half off, plus check out big savings on entire dinnerware sets and more.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downing. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
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