1
as in robbing
to remove valuables from (a place) unlawfully
he knocked over six convenience stores before getting caught
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in downing
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall
knocked me over trying to get out the door
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knocking over
Again, the bots were not always gainly—one viral video showed a humanoid veering off a running track and knocking over a human spectator—but the atmosphere was one of dynamism and experimentation.
—
James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Surveillance video shows a man, alleged to be Eichorst, knocking over and damaging the menorah, causing about $500 in damage.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
The teaser opens with the good boy knocking over and breaking a glass bottle, then peeing on a newspaper declaring Superman’s triumph over Lex Luthor.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Attendees could try their hand at knocking over tin cans, throwing lassos and a ring toss.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
They can be seen knocking over display cases, smashing glass and stuffing goods for sale into large black garbage bags.
—Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
When two people pop a small confetti cannon into the air, Speed launches himself back with a cry, knocking over the set and barely missing the cake that has his face on it.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Many cat owners have seen their cat sleeping in a sunny patch on the bed, or even knocking over plants and whatever else is in the way to get an ideal window-napping position.
—Meghan Holmes, Treehugger, 7 Aug. 2025
James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Surveillance video shows a man, alleged to be Eichorst, knocking over and damaging the menorah, causing about $500 in damage.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025
The teaser opens with the good boy knocking over and breaking a glass bottle, then peeing on a newspaper declaring Superman’s triumph over Lex Luthor.
—Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 11 Dec. 2025
Attendees could try their hand at knocking over tin cans, throwing lassos and a ring toss.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2025
They can be seen knocking over display cases, smashing glass and stuffing goods for sale into large black garbage bags.
—Pilar Arias, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
When two people pop a small confetti cannon into the air, Speed launches himself back with a cry, knocking over the set and barely missing the cake that has his face on it.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 5 Sep. 2025
Many cat owners have seen their cat sleeping in a sunny patch on the bed, or even knocking over plants and whatever else is in the way to get an ideal window-napping position.
—Meghan Holmes, Treehugger, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking over
Verb
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Sure, some out there were robbing old people, choking people, robbing them, beating them up, taking their money, but Troy just wasn’t like that.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
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Exploring the lives of a boxer, a diner-robbing couple, a gangster's wife, and a pair of chatty hitmen, Pulp Fiction plays by its own rules in exploring how each of their messy lives intersects.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The head of the second train took the brunt of the impact, knocking its first two carriages off the track and sending them plummeting downing a steep slope.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
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Iran for days dismissed allegations of downing the plane as Western propaganda before finally acknowledging it.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Millions of those emails will now be dropping into Gmail inboxes — unfiltered.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Temperatures across the Eastern Plains including the Denver metro area will stay below freezing for three days, with wind chill temperatures dropping below 0 during the period.—
Dave Aguilera,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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South San Joaquin County Fire Authority However, after knocking down the flames, fire officials say crews found a person dead inside the shop.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
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Luka Dončić had his way against the Hornets’ defense throughout the night, knocking down five 3-pointers in a 38-point performance.—
Shane Connuck,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Gold extended its relentless rally on Thursday, crossing past $5,500 per ounce and hitting another record high.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
29 Jan. 2026
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After Read discovered him dead in his former colleague's front yard, she was subsequently accused of hitting him with her SUV, sparking not one, but two lengthy and high-profile trials.—
Jordana Comiter,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20over. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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