as in sipping
to swallow in liquid form
desperately thirsty, she knocked back an entire glass of water without pausing
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knocking back
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.
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Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking back
Verb
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With spring quickly approaching, now is the time to refresh your porch decor for those upcoming days of sipping sweet tea outside.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
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Last but not least, don’t underestimate the importance of sipping on good old H2O throughout the day.—
Michele Ross,
SELF,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Keep beverages and sweets covered, and be wary of drinking from soda cans outdoors since wasps can crawl inside.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
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The protagonist then goads him into drinking enough to agree to spending the afternoon at her lake house.—
Megan McCluskey,
Time,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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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,
20 Feb. 2026
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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 12 Mar. 2026.
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