There are several synonyms for the phrase "bends knees." These include squatting, crouching, kneeling, and genuflecting. Squatting is a motion where the knees are bent while maintaining a standing position. Crouching is similar to squatting, but the person is in a lower position and may be closer to the ground. Kneeling involves placing one or both knees on the ground while standing upright. Lastly, genuflecting is a formal act of bending one or both knees as a sign of respect or devotion. Each of these phrases describes a different way to bend the knees, and they can be used interchangeably depending on the context.