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
Jascoco The cows stampeded into a neighborhood, knocking over mailboxes, trampling fences, and bumping into cars as they were being chased.
—
Julie Sharp, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
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
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
Julie Sharp, CBS News, 28 Jan. 2026
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
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
-
Two men have been accused of robbing a supermarket in Bridgeport at knifepoint on Thursday before leading police on a pursuit that ended in a crash in Woodbridge.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
30 Jan. 2026
-
San Antonio Crime Stoppers is seeking the public’s help to identify two suspects accused of robbing a JCPenney store at Ingram Park Mall in December.—
Raul Trey Lopez,
San Antonio Express-News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
While the mere thought of downing eight coffees daily might conjure heart palpitations, caffeine has been at the center of Navratil’s career climb.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Arsenal claimed the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, downing Corinthians 3-2 after extra time at the Emirates Stadium.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Moschino managed to secure the collaboration with the superstar rapper and multitalented creative, unveiling a two-piece capsule collection dropping Friday.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Brooklyn fell to the Orlando Magic 118-98 at Kia Center, dropping to 13-37 and extending its skid to three games.—
C.J. Holmes,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Well, the two-time Eastern Conference rookie of the month is one of only two players in the NBA this season who’s averaging 15 points and five rebounds per game while knocking down at least 42% from 3-point range.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Jan. 2026
-
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
Verb
-
Meanwhile, bitcoin has dropped 50% since hitting a record high above $126,000 in October.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
-
The car collided with the bicyclist before continuing another block and hitting the bakery section of a 99 Ranch Market location in the Westwood neighborhood.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20over. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
