as in to buckle (down)
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Recent Examples of knuckle down
Teams will use the five-week gap between the races in Japan and Miami to knuckle down at their factories and develop car upgrades that could boost their fortunes upon returning to the track in May.
—
Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
In survival mode, many brands have been forced to knuckle down and fortify their business strategies, in hopes of setting them up for success against a difficult backdrop.
—Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
European countries need to knuckle down and increase their military capabilities while Russia is still dedicating a chunk of its forces to its invasion of Ukraine, Sweden's defense minister has said.
—Ellie Cook — Reporting From Prague, Czech Republic, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Bunnie is knuckling down to help women escaping domestic violence.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
In survival mode, many brands have been forced to knuckle down and fortify their business strategies, in hopes of setting them up for success against a difficult backdrop.
—Madeleine Schulz, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
European countries need to knuckle down and increase their military capabilities while Russia is still dedicating a chunk of its forces to its invasion of Ukraine, Sweden's defense minister has said.
—Ellie Cook — Reporting From Prague, Czech Republic, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Bunnie is knuckling down to help women escaping domestic violence.
—Lars Brandle, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for knuckle down
Verb
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Before Trevor Story came to bat in the fourth inning of Tuesday’s dispiriting affair at Comerica Park, Framber Valdez had thrown 693 pitches in the 2026 season.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
6 May 2026
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With Swender on the mound, the Warriors (7-13, 5-5) feel confident, too, which is why the University of Rochester commit almost always gets the nod to pitch in series-opening Central Suburban League South games or games against tough nonconference opponents.—
Steve Reaven,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
Verb
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These gingham palazzo pants boast a stretchy, elastic waistband that won’t dig in or cause irritation, and their flowy design offers some ease and relaxation on stressful travel days.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Apr. 2026
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Even without the custom wrapping, just showing up ready to dig in the dirt with her — planting flowers, pulling weeds or repotting something together — turns an ordinary afternoon into quality time.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Knuckle down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/knuckle%20down. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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