1
as in succumbing
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 surrendering
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knuckling under
Verb
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There seemed to be an element of sadomasochistic play in their relationship, of withholding and succumbing, that contravenes the popular sense of an unremitting dominant-submissive dynamic.—
Daphne Merkin,
The Atlantic,
31 Oct. 2025 -
To the public eye, this might look like scientists are succumbing to groupthink and an unreasonable resistance to any new ideas.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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How to Watch Arizona Cardinals vs Dallas Cowboys The Cowboys struggled defensively in their 44-24 road loss to the Denver Broncos last week, surrendering four touchdown passes and 426 yards of offense.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Nov. 2025
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Andrew might not move to Sandringham until after the Christmas holidays, another source said, because giving notice, surrendering the lease and orchestrating the move is expected to take some time.—
Christian Edwards,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tomer-Yerushalmi is also suspected of allegedly misleading the High Court of Justice, and senior military and justice officials, about the leak of the footage and even submitting a false affidavit to the court.—
Tal Shalev,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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Miami’s top Catholic leader Archbishop Thomas Wenski, who turned 75 this month, will be submitting a retirement letter to the Vatican.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Miami’s defense seemed flummoxed, giving up a 35-yard TD pass for the second TD.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
18 Oct. 2025
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And the Titans are giving up the fifth-most yards per carry.—
Gladys Louise Tyler,
Forbes.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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For anyone still soaking up the flavors of fresh peaches before giving in to pumpkin spice, check your produce drawer.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
3 Nov. 2025
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Amid all this, censors were sitting on Panahi’s script, only giving in after reformist newspapers took up his cause.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The result was comprehensive, with Spain only conceding one goal en route to the 4-0 victory over Italy in the final.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
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Nearly everyone is conceding some exceptions due to these complications.—
John Wihbey,
Time,
20 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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In Indiana, Republican Governor Mike Braun called a special legislative session for next Monday to weigh redistricting proposals in his state, bowing to a White House pressure campaign.—
Steve Gorman,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Knuckling under.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knuckling%20under. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.
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