KNOCK-DOWN, DRAG-OUT Synonyms: 55 Similar and Opposite Words

knock-down, drag-out

adjective

ˈnäk-ˌdauṅ-ˈdrag-ˌau̇t

variants or knock-down-and-drag-out

as in violent

marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity the football game was a knock-down, drag-out battle between bitter rivals

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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 knock-down, drag-out The meeting of a pair of programs on the rise was a knock-down, drag-out affair that appeared to have no end in sight. — Evan Webeck, Mercury News, 20 Sep. 2025 What follows is a knock-down, drag-out brawl reminiscent of Tommy Hearns and Marvin Hagler. — Lynette Rice, Deadline, 15 Dec. 2024 This was a knock-down, drag-out fight — the kind of match that would make for excellent watching when Marvel Snap tournaments are up and running. — Ash Parrish, The Verge, 31 Jan. 2023 Last week’s knock-down, drag-out fight could just be the first of many this session as GOP lawmakers grapple with government spending, the debt ceiling and the situation at the border. — Dallas News, 10 Jan. 2023 See All Example Sentences for knock-down, drag-out

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knock-down, drag-out

Adjective

The teen also faces an allegation of having a prior conviction for a violent offense, which qualifies as a strike under California law.

— Richard Ramos, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Bass attempted to reverse her fortunes by touting her administration’s progress in reducing violent crime, fast-tracking affordable housing and bringing down unsheltered homelessness — the number of people living outside and in their cars — by 11%.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of violent

Adjective

But many others are unpopular and have faced fierce opposition.

— Joe Heim, Washington Post, 7 Nov. 2026
The once-fierce rivalry, which accounted for five Stanley Cup titles from 1996-2002, has cooled significantly since Detroit moved to the Eastern Conference and the teams have not been competitive at the same time.

— ABC News, ABC News, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of fierce

Adjective

The rising, warming sea and ferocious winter storms have battered the road.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
One of the most celebrated objects from the India Museum is a mechanical wooden sculpture of a ferocious tiger gnawing at a British soldier’s throat.

— Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of ferocious

Adjective

The Democratic Socialists of America sparked furious outrage after tapping controversial Twitch star Hasan Piker to anchor their election night broadcast.

— Staff, FOXNews.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Exasperated and furious over their inaction, Heumann and a group of disability activists staged a sit-in at the San Francisco Health, Education and Welfare federal building on Apr 5, 1977.

— Barry Levitt, Time, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of furious

Adjective

It’s been a turbulent few years for Howe football, as previous head football coach Andrew Harvey was fired for cause, according to KXII-TV in Sherman.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Nov. 2026
His selection follows an unusually turbulent period for Cabarrus County government.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of turbulent

Adjective

An Australian man survived more than two months lost at sea in 2023 with his dog Bella after rough seas damaged their boat and its electronics system.

— CBS News, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026
However, neither rating guarantees that a folding screen or hinge will survive years of rough treatment.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2026

Definition of rough

Adjective

Check into Nayara Hangaroa for oceanfront rooms, a pool set upon volcanic rocks, and a concierge to assist with arranging excursions.

— Lale Arikoglu, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
Of these, 41 were born during periods where volcanic activity and low solar energy overlapped.

— Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of volcanic

Adjective

The state data also listed three rabid bats in neighboring Yuba County and six in Sacramento County and five in Sutter County.

— Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 3 Nov. 2026
From the Winnipeg Jets’ full aurora borealis scene on the hem to the Boston Bruins having a brown jersey for the first time in more than 100 years, the league made sure to be grounding each look into something recognizable by each rabid fan base.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of rabid

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knockdown

knock-down, drag-out

knockdowns

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“Knock-down, drag-out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knock-down%2C%20drag-out. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of knock-down, drag-out

adjective

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