as in sipping
to swallow in liquid form
desperately thirsty, she knocked back an entire glass of water without pausing
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of knocking back
In 2019, Vanity Fair royal correspondent Katie Nicholl reported that Prince Harry, who was once known for knocking back vodka Red Bull chasers at nightclubs, had adopted a healthier lifestyle thanks to his wife.
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Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking back
Verb
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Visitors can slip into a cozy seersucker robe and watch sailboats drift by while sipping a cocktail.—
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Beyond lies a private stretch of sand — perfect for launching a kayak or paddleboard at sunrise, or sipping wine as the sun sets over Buzzards Bay.—
Verb
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The continuum of problem drinking There aren’t just two types of drinkers –– those who have a problem and those who don’t have to worry about it, Dick said.—
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But generally, fewer people are seeking out these whales, so fewer are being made, partly because people are not drinking as many high-octane, high alcohol beers.—
Verb
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The cayenne pepper lingers on the tongue for a full minute after gulping the shot down.—
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One night Icarius got all his friends together for a wine-tasting party that quickly got out of hand and turned into a wine-gulping party.—
Cite this Entry
“Knocking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20back. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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