knuckle down

verb

knuckled down; knuckling down; knuckles down
Synonyms of knuckle downnext

intransitive verb

: to apply oneself earnestly

Examples of knuckle down in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Choose the appropriate social media channel for your business, and knuckle down on content. — Chelsea Tobin, Forbes.com, 10 Feb. 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 Bunnie is knuckling down to help women escaping domestic violence. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 3 Sep. 2019 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 See All Example Sentences for knuckle down

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of knuckle down was circa 1864

Rhymes for knuckle down

See All Rhymes for knuckle down

Browse Nearby Words

knucklebone
knuckle down
knuckle-dust
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Knuckle down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/knuckle%20down. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

knuckle down

verb
: to apply oneself in an earnest manner

More from Merriam-Webster on knuckle down

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for knuckle down

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