KNUCKLE UNDER Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

knuckle under

verb

Definition of knuckle under

as in to succumb

to cease resistance (as to another's arguments, demands, or control) encouraged her to stand firm and not knuckle under to political pressure

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to surrender

to yield to the control or power of enemy forces the remote outpost was overrun and forced to knuckle under

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 under Some owners show their mettle for a spell, then find adequate reason to knuckle under; others have no intention of even pretending to do what is hard or what is right. — David Remnick, New Yorker, 29 May 2026 Everyone, including the media, knuckles under. — Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 Feb. 2026 That’s a clear message to others to get in line and knuckle under — or else. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2026 How much of this is a bluff designed to get Senate Democrats to knuckle under and vote to reopen the government and how much of this is wishcasting by MAGA? — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for knuckle under

Verb

Charlotte Flair’s gear was dedicated to a young WWE fan named Scarlett who recently succumbed to brain cancer.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
By the time officers arrived at the scene, an unidentified female victim had succumbed to her injuries, Smith said.

— Jessie DiMartino, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2026

Definition of succumb

Verb

The three prospects surrendered by Los Angeles are pocket change in the grand scheme of things.

— John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026
Green Bay’s season ended with a 31-27 los s to the rival Chicago Bears in the NFC wild card playoffs, a game in which the Packers surrendered 25 fourth-quarter points after building a 21-3 halftime lead.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of surrender

Verb

Despite Penta's aggressive offense and dangerous maneuvers, Gable persevered, ultimately making Penta submit with a decisive ankle lock, securing a triumphant and emotional victory.

— Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
On Friday, Pirro submitted a court filing moving to dismiss the indictment against David Hearn, a former Olympian who was charged earlier in the month for vandalizing the reflecting pool.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of submit

Verb

Hoeld conceded that the recent World Cup tournament had not really added to Puma’s top line in any substantial way.

— Cathrin Schaer, Footwear News, 31 July 2026
Megan Romer, a DSA national co-chair and ordained ruling elder within the Presbyterian Church (USA), conceded socialism is a troubling concept for some people of faith.

— ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026