as in sipping
to swallow in liquid form
desperately thirsty, she knocked back an entire glass of water without pausing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 knocking back
John Slattery in Vladimir, wandering around on the sidelines, knocking back cocktails and running out to the backyard every hour or so to make sure his lettuce has been adequately watered.
—
Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
As to whether today’s pinot noir wine tastes the same as whatever medieval knights were knocking back in the French royal court at Paris, grape DNA can’t reveal much about flavor.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Mar. 2026
In 2019, Vanity Fair royal correspondent Katie Nicholl reported that Prince Harry, who was once known for knocking back vodka Red Bull chasers at nightclubs, had adopted a healthier lifestyle thanks to his wife.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
As to whether today’s pinot noir wine tastes the same as whatever medieval knights were knocking back in the French royal court at Paris, grape DNA can’t reveal much about flavor.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Mar. 2026
In 2019, Vanity Fair royal correspondent Katie Nicholl reported that Prince Harry, who was once known for knocking back vodka Red Bull chasers at nightclubs, had adopted a healthier lifestyle thanks to his wife.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking back
Verb
-
In other words, avoid swishing seltzers in your mouth, drinking a lot of them or even sipping one throughout the day.—
The New York Times News Service Syndicate,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2026
-
As Rosneqvist celebrated by sipping milk, then dumping it over his head, Malukas was consoled by his father in pit lane.—
Michael Marot,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
Verb
-
The project's cover artwork depicts Role Model (whose real name is Tucker Pillsbury) drinking from a beer bottle while sitting near a man and woman eating cake and looking at him while seemingly dressed for their wedding.—
Jack Irvin,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
-
This is not like drinking a glass of water.—
Catherine Ellis,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
This viral anti-slip slow feeder lick bowl helps prevent gulping and bloating, while keeping your dogs entertained for longer with a healthy, fun challenge.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
-
Yes, gulping the liquid the night before was an ordeal — try drinking three liters of anything in three hours, going to sleep, then waking up six hours later for one final liter.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20back. Accessed 2 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
