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
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
When—and why—laughter works In the study, Sezer and her colleagues ran six experiments involving more than 3,000 participants who read about other people’s embarrassing mishaps, like dramatically knocking over a glass in a restaurant or enthusiastically waving at the wrong person.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
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
When—and why—laughter works In the study, Sezer and her colleagues ran six experiments involving more than 3,000 participants who read about other people’s embarrassing mishaps, like dramatically knocking over a glass in a restaurant or enthusiastically waving at the wrong person.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 27 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking over
Verb
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Gaff was charged with raping, robbing and murdering Weaver, according to court documents.—
Nadine El-Bawab,
ABC News,
14 May 2026
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Warnock says Republicans 'robbing' Georgians of their voice Georgia Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock has been vocal about the Louisiana decision in the weeks since, and has long made voting rights and protections a key part of his platform.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
Verb
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While Russia appears to have been much less successful in downing drones – many videos show drones cruising towards and into targets with no sign of opposition – the mobile fire groups are clearly having some effect.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2026
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The cost of action The first instance of NATO nations downing drones came last year, when Polish and Dutch fighters destroyed three Russian drones over Poland.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
2 May 2026
Verb
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Philadelphia will hit 90° as soon as Monday and rise to 93° on Tuesday before dropping to a more manageable 88° on Wednesday.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
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And the data show that this is also benefiting solar power, with the impact of aerosols dropping over the last few years.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
15 May 2026
Verb
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The role players consistently knocking down shots would be big too.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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French guard Marine Johannes was equally unstoppable, knocking down five 3-pointers to finish with 17 points on top of five rebounds, three assists and three steals.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 2026
Verb
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Kay, meanwhile, rebounded after a first inning filled with traffic — two singles and hitting a batter with a pitch — to top his previous career high of 5 2/3 innings.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
15 May 2026
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As Kelsey Luderer rounded third base and headed home Thursday after hitting a game-tying home run that ignited Sherman Oaks Notre Dame to a 6-3 Division 1 softball playoff win over Anaheim Canyon, she was greeted by every teammate at the plate.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20over. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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