1
as in winning
to receive as return for effort
she's knocking down a good salary, but she has to work very hard
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in taking down
to take apart
right after the holidays the stores start to knock down the window displays
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in downing
to strike (someone) so forcefully as to cause a fall
the overexcited dog knocked the toddler down
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in reducing
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
they'll have to knock down the price of those televisions if they expect to sell any
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knocking down
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
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
Bringing this winner to dinner will leave everyone knocking down your door for more.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
That's not with decoys, that's not with other means that would try to misdirect our interceptors from knocking down incoming missiles with nuclear warheads on them.
—ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
The contestants then had to compete in a physically taxing challenge that involved pushing a heavy cart along a bumpy path, stacking sand bags, climbing ladders, knocking discs off poles, and then finally knocking down four bamboo targets.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
And the autumn Paris weather played nice — just a few gusts knocking down some lamps and a few showers prompting umbrellas to save our gear!
—Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
But his abrupt reversal sparked outrage amid images of a bulldozer knocking down walls.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
The clip shows one feline running in circles with a bag stuck on its head, bumping into the furniture and nearly knocking down the home decor.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Cecilio Padilla, CBS News, 5 Jan. 2026
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
Bringing this winner to dinner will leave everyone knocking down your door for more.
—Patricia S York, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025
That's not with decoys, that's not with other means that would try to misdirect our interceptors from knocking down incoming missiles with nuclear warheads on them.
—ABC News, 2 Nov. 2025
The contestants then had to compete in a physically taxing challenge that involved pushing a heavy cart along a bumpy path, stacking sand bags, climbing ladders, knocking discs off poles, and then finally knocking down four bamboo targets.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
And the autumn Paris weather played nice — just a few gusts knocking down some lamps and a few showers prompting umbrellas to save our gear!
—Greg Palkot, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2025
But his abrupt reversal sparked outrage amid images of a bulldozer knocking down walls.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 23 Oct. 2025
The clip shows one feline running in circles with a bag stuck on its head, bumping into the furniture and nearly knocking down the home decor.
—Liz O'Connell, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking down
Verb
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The title-winning standard has been lower in recent years; City won it with 86, 93, 89 and 91 points between 2020-21 and 2023-24 and Liverpool with 84 points last season, but some of those totals give a false impression.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Get tech-smarter on your schedule Award-winning host Kim Komando is your secret weapon for navigating tech.—
The Kim Komando Show,
FOXNews.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Many women with natural hair can empathize with the breakage concerns and tediousness that can arise when taking down protective styles.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The Crimson Tide have won each of their five conference matchups, taking down Georgia, Vanderbilt, Missouri, Tennessee and South Carolina in consecutive games.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Take William Shakespeare, who is often portrayed as a carouser, downing pints while exchanging barbs with his fellow writers, cheating on his wife with both men and women, passionately engaging his quill to reimagine the very nature of the human being.—
Isaac Butler,
The Atlantic,
3 Nov. 2025
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Prosecutor Andrew Figliuzzi claimed Chambers dined at a Houston restaurant before hitting three bars on the night of the crash, per the Chronicle, allegedly downing at least six alcoholic beverages and using cocaine.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
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Permeable pavers allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing flood risk, while offering an upscale look.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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While many wealthier Americans have enjoyed years of double-digit stock market gains, advancing home prices and rising wages, those earning less have been squeezed by the combination of higher prices, debt and a slowing job market.—
Luciana Lopez,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
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Current court battles include players seeking to play longer, without lower-college seasons counting against their eligibility, and earning NIL money while doing it.—
ANDREW DESTIN,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Trump joined Israel in dismantling Gaza and the Hamas terror network ― a worthy mission ― but then crafted a plan that would put himself in charge of rebuilding and governing the Palestinian territory and commit American troops to keeping order.—
Nolan Finley,
Twin Cities,
9 Jan. 2026
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From dismantling scientific research institutions in Colorado to increasing our utility rates, his revenge tour will have real impacts on people’s lives, including those who voted for him.—
Meg Froelich,
Denver Post,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Tu knows this season will look and feel a lot different for people this year (between the limited funds for gifts, traveling to see family and dropping money on once-a-year expenses).—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
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The Arizona transfer torched KU last year, shooting 7-for-11 from the field and dropping 19 points.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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For women, this meant decreasing intake to about 400 to 600 calories three days per week, while men reduced calories to around 500 to 700.—
Sarah Garone,
Health,
9 Jan. 2026
-
An expensive habit with a decreasing ROI.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20down. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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