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
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
-
In the late 1990s, officers from a gang unit in the LAPD’s Rampart Division were accused of robbing people and planting evidence, among other crimes.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
-
This talent is noticed by Josh Gad (yes, played by Josh Gad) who puts Doorman into his bank-robbing heist movie franchise.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
3 June 2026
Verb
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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
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Brunson didn’t have a good start to this game, knocking down his opening three-pointer to begin the game and going 0-of-6 from there in the first quarter.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
4 June 2026
-
That featured Sprewell scoring 35 of their 77 points and Johnson knocking down the deciding shot with 47 seconds left.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
The play started with Muncy hitting a ground ball up the first-base line.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
5 June 2026
-
London’s Christian Olivares, a USC pledge, extended the lead in the third inning, hitting a two-run home run to left field.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20over. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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