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
Relevance
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
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
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
Those that didn’t knuckle under — or otherwise incurred Trump’s wrath — got hit harder earlier this month.
—Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 30 Aug. 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
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
Those that didn’t knuckle under — or otherwise incurred Trump’s wrath — got hit harder earlier this month.
—Paul Wiseman, Fortune, 30 Aug. 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
-
Despite the extreme heat and visible off-gassing, the battery refused to succumb to the flames.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
-
Ace Hunter Brown made two starts before succumbing to a shoulder strain and closer Josh Hader has not thrown a pitch in the majors this season.—
Matt Kawahara,
Houston Chronicle,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Senior captain Avery Barnes fired a two-hitter, surrendering just one run in the circle while recording two hits at the plate as Cardinal Spellman (11-2) defeated Catholic Central League foe Bishop Fenwick, 7-1.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
8 May 2026
-
The animal was surrendered to City of Meriden Animal Control when authorities carried out a search warrant at the residence of 45-year-old Kristiina Kennedy on April 7.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
An in-depth look at strategy Four of the candidates submitted op-eds to our opinion team outlining their policies.—
Teagan Davidge,
Oc Register,
10 May 2026
-
The district also agreed to submit annual certifications in 2026, 2028 and 2028 showing that students are not using facilities designed for the opposite sex, education records are available for parent inspection, and related policies are posted prominently online.—
Kendrick Calfee
May 9,
Kansas City Star,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
Their final away game might not look great but Chelsea are on one of the worst runs in the club’s history, losing the last six games while conceding 14 goals and scoring only one.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
-
Dick conceded that there was some avoidance on his side, too.—
Janet W. Lee,
NPR,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Hands clasped, head bowed, blank and fair of face.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
-
Lillocci contributed to the design of Canali’s fall 2026 lineup but his first collection in this new role will bow for spring 2027.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knuckle under.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knuckle%20under. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
