hammer out

verb

hammered out; hammering out; hammers out

transitive verb

: to produce or bring about as if by repeated blows

hammered out an agreement

Synonyms of hammer out

• forge
• develop
• carve (out)
• grind (out)
• create
• bring forth
• thrash (out)
• craft

Examples of hammer out in a Sentence

the city council hammered out new commercial development regulations with input from residents, business owners, and environmental activists

Recent Examples on the Web

Newsom is said to have huddled with both sides to try and hammer out a deal. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

How the system would work The initial phase of contract talks still would have union and county representatives seeking to hammer out a mutually beneficial deal, with a presumption that both sides would negotiate in good faith. — Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

If the parties can’t agree on terms, a valuation is usually hammered out via binding arbitration, and the existing distribution agreement remains in place until the payout is received. — Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 1 Oct. 2026

After the meeting, Johnson’s opponents said the mayor hasn’t meaningfully reached across City Council’s sharp divide to help hammer out a deal. — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1632, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hammer out

• roundabout
• runabout
• sauerkraut
• thereabout
• turnabout
• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout

Kids Definition

hammer out

verb

: to produce or bring about by persistent effort

hammered out an agreement