1
as in robbing
to remove valuables from (a place) unlawfully
he knocked over six convenience stores before getting caught
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 over
Before 2014, Major League Baseball runners trying to score often tried knocking over a catcher who was blocking the plate.
—
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
During a recent demonstration, the robot, guided by engineers, gingerly lifted and placed cups at a minibar, at one point knocking over a dish.
—ABC News, 11 May 2026
Eufy Security Camera Deal The E30 provides a 4K ultra-clear window into your sanctuary, using on-device AI to distinguish between a burglar and a pet knocking over a plant.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026
The gusts progressively grew stronger, knocking over planters and forcing food vendors to close up shop early, until the festival itself was paused and performers were ushered offstage.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2026
People ducked under tables and chairs, knocking over table settings.
—Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
The robot was captured on video at the Haidilao location approaching a table before pounding on it, then knocking over utensils and food in front of customers.
—Isabel Yip, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
Bess finally blurted out, gesticulating and knocking over her glass of wine just as Sam opened a new bottle.
—Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026
Coach Travis Steele screamed at the officials at halftime, knocking over a speaker on his way off the court and picking up a technical foul.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 19 May 2026
During a recent demonstration, the robot, guided by engineers, gingerly lifted and placed cups at a minibar, at one point knocking over a dish.
—ABC News, 11 May 2026
Eufy Security Camera Deal The E30 provides a 4K ultra-clear window into your sanctuary, using on-device AI to distinguish between a burglar and a pet knocking over a plant.
—Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 May 2026
The gusts progressively grew stronger, knocking over planters and forcing food vendors to close up shop early, until the festival itself was paused and performers were ushered offstage.
—Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 26 Apr. 2026
People ducked under tables and chairs, knocking over table settings.
—Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
The robot was captured on video at the Haidilao location approaching a table before pounding on it, then knocking over utensils and food in front of customers.
—Isabel Yip, NBC news, 19 Mar. 2026
Bess finally blurted out, gesticulating and knocking over her glass of wine just as Sam opened a new bottle.
—Literary Hub, 2 Mar. 2026
Coach Travis Steele screamed at the officials at halftime, knocking over a speaker on his way off the court and picking up a technical foul.
—Joe Rexrode, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking over
Verb
-
Atlanta police are searching for a woman accused of robbing a Buckhead bank on Wednesday morning.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
-
Center fielder Jakob Marsee made a pair of big catches at the wall — robbing Carson Benge of a pair of hits in the first and sixth innings.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
But Romania has remained cautious in downing errant drones, which can pose risks to populated areas.—
Stephen McGrath,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
-
In December 2024, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency released footage appearing to show a Magura V5 naval drone armed with R-73 air-to-air missiles downing a Russian Mi-8 helicopter over the Black Sea near occupied Crimea.—
David Kirichenko,
Forbes.com,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
His perfect parade was broken up by an error in the fourth inning when miscommunication between Andy Pages and Kyle Tucker led to Trea Turner’s fly ball glancing off Tucker’s glove and dropping to the warning track uncaught.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
-
As vehicles drive by on a nearby road, he can be seen dropping to the ground.—
Tim Stelloh,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
The latest plan to revive the site includes knocking down the building and rebuilding a near-replica that will be part community gathering space and restaurant and live music venue.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
Williams pops off Williams scored 10 early points, knocking down a few 3-pointers and dropping in a layup to get the crowd going, and then canning a smooth midrange shot to get up to double figures within five minutes.—
Joseph Dycus,
Mercury News,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Jocytė finished with three points in 16 minutes, most notably calling for an isolation against Clark and hitting a 3-pointer in her face.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Not even the bonus of a Yeremy Pino free kick hitting both posts yet somehow staying out could help Rayo respond.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20over. Accessed 1 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
