as in sipping
to swallow in liquid form
desperately thirsty, she knocked back an entire glass of water without pausing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knocking back
For more than three decades now, the cafe has welcomed LGBTQ+ locals, travelers, and anyone else looking for a warm, welcoming place to have a rollicking good time, whether that means cheering on their favorite drag queen or knocking back drinks with a hot date.
—
Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026
Return of the party crowd At Zuma, a stalwart venue of the usually busy lifestyle scene in the Dubai International Financial Centre, some of the party crowd are back, getting down to DJs and knocking back pricy cocktails.
—Melanie Swan, CNN Money, 1 June 2026
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
Hannah Giorgis Yohannes, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 June 2026
Return of the party crowd At Zuma, a stalwart venue of the usually busy lifestyle scene in the Dubai International Financial Centre, some of the party crowd are back, getting down to DJs and knocking back pricy cocktails.
—Melanie Swan, CNN Money, 1 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking back
Verb
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Husband-and-wife team Andrew Levitas and Katherine Jenkins created the Welsh spirit so that Jenkins, a classical singer, could enjoy sipping a gin smooth enough not to affect her voice.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
18 June 2026
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Dig your toes in the sand while sipping a mai tai and munching on the restaurant’s famous Bimini Bread with Aruba Glaze and whipped honey butter.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
17 June 2026
Verb
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There was an increase in drinking from 2021 to 2023 among San Diego Unified high school students, especially those 18 and older.—
Maura Fox,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 June 2026
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Also in Boston, Scottish World Cup supporters impressed locals after reportedly drinking several bars dry.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
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Others can’t stand the sound of gulping.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
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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,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20back. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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