1
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
2
as in to surrender
to yield to the control or power of enemy forces
the remote outpost was overrun and forced to knuckle under
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knuckle under
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
Those that didn’t knuckle under — or otherwise incurred Trump’s wrath — got hit harder earlier this month.
—Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025
But in an era when entertainment companies, along with politicians and seemingly everyone else, race to knuckle under to Trump's bullying and litigious tactics, the episode is still a shock.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
Over time, Congress knuckled under, banning Chinese and limiting Italians and Jews with country-of-origin quotas rigged against them.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
The front lines of our legal edifice have been divided and conquered, with premier law firms knuckling under and meekly promising to shut up and work for Trump, while the Supreme Court carefully pulls its punches to avoid a showdown.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Of course, Cruz knuckled under a little while later.
—James Hohmann, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 10 Oct. 2025
Those that didn’t knuckle under — or otherwise incurred Trump’s wrath — got hit harder earlier this month.
—Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 30 Aug. 2025
But in an era when entertainment companies, along with politicians and seemingly everyone else, race to knuckle under to Trump's bullying and litigious tactics, the episode is still a shock.
—Bill Goodykoontz, AZCentral.com, 24 July 2025
Over time, Congress knuckled under, banning Chinese and limiting Italians and Jews with country-of-origin quotas rigged against them.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 July 2025
The front lines of our legal edifice have been divided and conquered, with premier law firms knuckling under and meekly promising to shut up and work for Trump, while the Supreme Court carefully pulls its punches to avoid a showdown.
—Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Apr. 2025
Of course, Cruz knuckled under a little while later.
—James Hohmann, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knuckle under
Verb
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Trim away any roots that have succumbed to root rot.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Vasquez-Trinidad succumbed to her injuries two days after the crash, the outlets reported, citing the New York Police Department.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Leaning on do-everything running back Bijan Robinson would make a lot of sense, except the Colts hold teams to just 87 rushing yards per game (fourth fewest) and have surrendered only six rushing touchdowns in nine games.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
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Economic strain is one of the leading reasons animals are surrendered to shelters, spokesperson Kirsten Peek said.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Costco also submitted a traffic-impact analysis by Boise consulting firm Kittelson & Associates, indicating the development would generate just shy of 7,000 new vehicle trips per day.—
Rose Evans
January 8,
Idaho Statesman,
8 Jan. 2026
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The city reversed course and put the matter out to bid but ultimately rejected a proposal by Nikki Beach after saying its representatives missed a deadline to submit documents.—
Aaron Leibowitz,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Sinclair, Ripley conceded, has experienced the downside of YouTube TV’s growth, including blackouts of its affiliated regional sports networks.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
5 Nov. 2025
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Fateh conceded the race and congratulated Frey while celebrating the movement his campaign built.—
Gabe Whisnant,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Other companies bowed to growing pressure; two of America’s professional sports teams rebranded.—
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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The Cannes-bowing film, starring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and set against the backdrop of political arrest in 1993 Nigeria, leads the pack of titles going into this year’s BIFA ceremony with 12 nominations, including best British independent film and director.—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Knuckle under.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knuckle%20under. Accessed 8 Jan. 2026.
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