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
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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Visitors can slip into a cozy seersucker robe and watch sailboats drift by while sipping a cocktail.—
Gabi De la Rosa,
Southern Living,
7 Nov. 2025
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Beyond lies a private stretch of sand — perfect for launching a kayak or paddleboard at sunrise, or sipping wine as the sun sets over Buzzards Bay.—
Miriam Schwartz,
Boston Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Staying active, meditating, drinking plenty of water and getting a full night’s sleep.—
Jackie Fields,
PEOPLE,
6 Nov. 2025
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Snag drinking glasses for 50% off and organic cotton cloth napkins for more than half off, plus check out big savings on entire dinnerware sets and more.—
Paige Bennett,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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One night Icarius got all his friends together for a wine-tasting party that quickly got out of hand and turned into a wine-gulping party.—
Mike Lynch,
Twin Cities,
7 Sep. 2025
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The pressure is always on the taker, the player standing, gulping, trying desperately not to unload their lunch onto the turf, preparing to do something theoretically simple — kick the ball into the net from 12 yards with only one opponent able to stop them.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knocking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20back. Accessed 28 Nov. 2025.
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