as in sipping
to swallow in liquid form
desperately thirsty, she knocked back an entire glass of water without pausing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 knocking back
Return of the party crowd At Zuma, a stalwart venue of the usually busy lifestyle scene in the Dubai International Financial Centre, some of the party crowd are back, getting down to DJs and knocking back pricy cocktails.
—
Melanie Swan, CNN Money, 1 June 2026
John Slattery in Vladimir, wandering around on the sidelines, knocking back cocktails and running out to the backyard every hour or so to make sure his lettuce has been adequately watered.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
As to whether today’s pinot noir wine tastes the same as whatever medieval knights were knocking back in the French royal court at Paris, grape DNA can’t reveal much about flavor.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Mar. 2026
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.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Melanie Swan, CNN Money, 1 June 2026
John Slattery in Vladimir, wandering around on the sidelines, knocking back cocktails and running out to the backyard every hour or so to make sure his lettuce has been adequately watered.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 May 2026
As to whether today’s pinot noir wine tastes the same as whatever medieval knights were knocking back in the French royal court at Paris, grape DNA can’t reveal much about flavor.
—Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 24 Mar. 2026
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.
—Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knocking back
Verb
-
The lobby bar, called The Living Room, was busy with groups of friends sipping hot toddies and Champagne at low tables and around the fireplace.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
12 June 2026
-
Fans can catch the action on the brewery’s TVs while sipping $5 pints of Olde Meck or Hornets Nest, depending on the match day.—
Evan Moore
June 11,
Charlotte Observer,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
The weather service suggests drinking plenty of fluids, staying indoors with air-conditioning and out of the sun, and checking up on relatives and neighbors.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
11 June 2026
-
The couple had been drinking at a Westlake Village cantina and were heading to Grossman’s home to watch a presidential debate.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Others can’t stand the sound of gulping.—
Sloane Crosley,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
-
This viral anti-slip slow feeder lick bowl helps prevent gulping and bloating, while keeping your dogs entertained for longer with a healthy, fun challenge.—
Kasey Caminiti,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20back. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
