as in sipping
to swallow in liquid form
desperately thirsty, she knocked back an entire glass of water without pausing
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Recent Examples of knocking back
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
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
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Because the hotel sits right at the heart of La Jolla’s center of gravity, locals can always be counted on for brunch in The Mediterranean room on weekends or sipping cocktails at La Sala or The Whalers Bar on a Friday or Saturday night.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Apr. 2026
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Traore mimics sipping tea out of a tea-cup after TDs in honor of his England roots.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As a whole, Gen Z is drinking less than previous generations.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
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Other ways to keep your blood sugar in check include walking after meals, drinking more water, and practicing strength training.—
Cynthia Sass,
Health,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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,
20 Feb. 2026
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Yes, gulping the liquid the night before was an ordeal — try drinking three liters of anything in three hours, going to sleep, then waking up six hours later for one final liter.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knocking back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knocking%20back. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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