Antonyms for knuckle

Grammar : Verb

Spell : nuhk-uh l

Phonetic Transcription : ˈnʌk əl

Definition of knuckle

Origin : mid-14c., knokel "finger joint; any joint of the body, especially a knobby one; morbid lump or swelling;" common Germanic (cf. Middle Low German knökel, Middle Dutch cnockel, German knöchel), literally "little bone," a diminutive of Proto-Germanic root *knuck- "bone" (cf. German Knochen "bone).
As a verb from 1740, originally in the game of marbles. To knuckle down "apply oneself earnestly" is 1864 in American English, extended from marbles (putting a knuckle on the ground in assuming the hand position preliminary to shooting); to knuckle under "submit, give in" is first recorded 1740, supposedly from the former more general sense of "knuckle" and here meaning "knee," hence "to kneel." The face-busting knuckle-duster is from 1858 (a duster was a type of protective coat worn by workmen).

As in submit : verb comply, endure
As in succumb : verb die or surrender
As in surrender : verb give up; resign
As in yield : verb give in, surrender
As in bow : verb submit, concede
As in defer : verb yield

Example sentences :

Also with knuckle of veal, and with calf's head boiled plain.
Extract from : « Directions for Cookery, in its Various Branches » by Eliza Leslie

He now presented his knuckle to the key and received a strong spark.
Extract from : « Little Masterpieces of Science: » by Various

A knuckle requires more boiling in proportion to its weight, than any other joint, to render the gristle soft and tender.
Extract from : « The Cook and Housekeeper's Complete and Universal Dictionary; Including a System of Modern Cookery, in all Its Various Branches, » by Mary Eaton

Yes, he wants me to strengthen a knuckle—he's spoken considerable about it.
Extract from : « The Flying Mercury » by Eleanor M. Ingram

He figured me out as the prodigal son, and wa'n't goin' to knuckle.
Extract from : « They of the High Trails » by Hamlin Garland

She touched her lips with the knuckle of a finger, in a mood reflective.
Extract from : « The Lure of the Mask » by Harold MacGrath

Meanwhile, put aside all that idea and knuckle down and help.
Extract from : « Tom Slade with the Colors » by Percy K. Fitzhugh

I get wore out lots of times and knuckle down, but Dr. Hugh won't.
Extract from : « Rosemary » by Josephine Lawrence

Well, my good times are over, and I'll have to knuckle down to work now.
Extract from : « Mary's Rainbow » by Mary Edward Feehan

The "acorn" is the head of the "pintle" or pin that passes thru the knuckle.
Extract from : « Handwork in Wood » by William Noyes

Synonyms for knuckle

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019