smackdown

noun

smack·​down ˈsmak-ˌdau̇n How to pronounce smackdown (audio)
1
: the act of knocking down or bringing down an opponent
2
: a contest in entertainment wrestling
3
: a decisive defeat
4
: a confrontation between rivals or competitors

Examples of smackdown in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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A week ago, a Friday smackdown with the Thunder would have been must-watch theatre, but the stakes have changed. Troy Renck, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2026 The tariffs ruling is indeed a smackdown. David Pozen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026 State Farm Stadium was the site of their highest high last season, a smackdown of the Minnesota Vikings to open the playoffs, but also their lowest low in a 31-point loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 6 Dec. 2025 Some legitimate passion does erupt when Elphaba and Glinda, reunited by tragedy, let their long-simmering rivalry bubble over in a wand-versus-broomstick smackdown. Justin Chang, New Yorker, 20 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for smackdown

Word History

First Known Use

1931, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of smackdown was in 1931

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Cite this Entry

“Smackdown.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/smackdown. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.

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