as in to buckle (down)
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar 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 knuckle down
After a 3-1 defeat at Fulham in September, Howe pulled Isak aside and told him to knuckle down.
—
George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
European countries need to knuckle down and increase their military capabilities while Russia is still dedicating a chunk of its forces to its invasion of Ukraine, Sweden's defense minister has said.
—Ellie Cook — Reporting From Prague, Czech Republic, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
There is every chance Pepi may decide to knuckle down and keep pushing De Jong, as PSV chase a successful defense of their title and progress in the Champions League.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
George Caulkin, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
European countries need to knuckle down and increase their military capabilities while Russia is still dedicating a chunk of its forces to its invasion of Ukraine, Sweden's defense minister has said.
—Ellie Cook — Reporting From Prague, Czech Republic, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
There is every chance Pepi may decide to knuckle down and keep pushing De Jong, as PSV chase a successful defense of their title and progress in the Champions League.
—Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knuckle down
Verb
-
Muncy was on the IL with a rib injury and a knee injury this season and has been hit by pitches in the head and wrist recently.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
27 Sep. 2025
-
Slaten entered Friday having pitched in the seventh inning or later in 32 of his 35 appearances this season.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But when companies dig in, persistence alone isn’t enough.—
Christopher Elliott,
Mercury News,
20 Sep. 2025
-
The wide, stretchy band creates a smooth fit that won’t dig in, while the wire-free design still provides light shaping and lift.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knuckle down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knuckle%20down. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share