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
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
Surveillance video shows a man, alleged to be Eichorst, knocking over and damaging the menorah, causing about $500 in damage.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 23 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
James Vincent, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Surveillance video shows a man, alleged to be Eichorst, knocking over and damaging the menorah, causing about $500 in damage.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 23 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
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Allowing transgender athletes to compete against women and girls places them at an inherent and obvious disadvantage, robbing them of the rewards of their hard work.—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
15 Jan. 2026
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The murder of Trooper George Hanna was especially egregious, robbing the community of a man who swore to protect and serve it.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Patriots have won all of those playoff appearances, downing the Chargers in the AFC Divisional Round in 2007 and 2019, while beating the Chargers in the AFC Championship in 2008.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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Cathedral Catholic Girls soccer Collecting two goals and two assists while playing smothering defense, the senior led the Dons to a 2-0-1 record in the Excalibur Tournament, downing Huntington Beach Edison 1-0 in the finale.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The Packers finished a season that began with Super Bowl hopes by dropping five in a row.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Jan. 2026
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The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll midseason after blowing a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to the Chicago Bears, a game in which rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart sustained a concussion, dropping them to 2-8.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Verb
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The developer of Aurora Driver, an all-in-one self-driving solution, underdelivered last year, hitting its stock hard.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
16 Jan. 2026
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The grant terminations are also hitting nonprofit groups in Illinois, with leaders of those groups saying the cuts could mean fewer services in Illinois for people struggling with homelessness, substance use disorders and fewer prevention and training programs related to mental health.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking over.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20over. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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