as in violent
marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity
the film lacks compelling characters, but it has plenty of bang-bang action
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Recent Examples of bang-bang
Aaron Judge got the walk-off RBI with a sacrifice fly that scored Anthony Volpe on a tremendous slide in a bang-bang play at the plate, but the speedster was able to avoid any tag, despite the throw beating him.
—
Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
And a big part of the scene’s effectiveness in showcasing the blend of ha-ha–bang-bang that would soon come to be called Tarantino-esque is Madsen’s take on it.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2025
During that bang-bang play, Senga ran to the base, leapt for a high throw from Pete Alonso and stepped on the bag before grabbing his right hamstring and dropping to the ground.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
The Dodgers took more good at-bats in the seventh, when another double from Freeman set up Pages for a two-out, two-run single — with Freeman racing home on his battered right ankle to score on a bang-bang slide.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Trying to get home from third can be far different in that there are myriad bang-bang plays that can happen.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
Haggerty was initially deemed safe on the bang-bang play at second – enraging Boone – but replay review overturned the call and brought the inning to an end.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
The loud bang-bang seemed to suck all the oxygen out of the three-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot ranch home.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
The second of two runs was a bang-bang play at the plate between Luisangel Acuña and Henry Davis with Acuña just beating the tag.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 11 July 2025
And a big part of the scene’s effectiveness in showcasing the blend of ha-ha–bang-bang that would soon come to be called Tarantino-esque is Madsen’s take on it.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 3 July 2025
During that bang-bang play, Senga ran to the base, leapt for a high throw from Pete Alonso and stepped on the bag before grabbing his right hamstring and dropping to the ground.
—Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 14 June 2025
The Dodgers took more good at-bats in the seventh, when another double from Freeman set up Pages for a two-out, two-run single — with Freeman racing home on his battered right ankle to score on a bang-bang slide.
—Jack Harris, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2025
Trying to get home from third can be far different in that there are myriad bang-bang plays that can happen.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 May 2025
Haggerty was initially deemed safe on the bang-bang play at second – enraging Boone – but replay review overturned the call and brought the inning to an end.
—Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
The loud bang-bang seemed to suck all the oxygen out of the three-bedroom, 1,200-square-foot ranch home.
—Suzette Hackney, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
The second of two runs was a bang-bang play at the plate between Luisangel Acuña and Henry Davis with Acuña just beating the tag.
—Drew Vonscio, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bang-bang
Adjective
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There ended up being a fire in the shop, and police discovered the victims (again, content warning for a violent crime), naked, tied up, burned, shot in the head with at least one of them having been raped.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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Shortly thereafter, Hamas won the Palestinian legislative elections and staged a violent coup to overthrow the Palestinian Authority and seize control of the Strip.—
Amelie Botbol,
FOXNews.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Typical confusion and disruption for a ferocious Vikings unit led by blitz enthusiast and defensive coordinator Brian Flores, but a shock to the Patriots’ offensive system.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
13 Aug. 2025
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Aquaman star Jason Momoa learned that lesson the hard way while attempting a miles-long paddle through ferocious Hawaiian waters and nearly not coming back up.—
Ryan Coleman Published,
EW.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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During the weekend retreat at Camp David, in 1971, when Nixon’s team arrived at the decision to untether the dollar from gold, Treasury Secretary John Connally dismissed concerns that allies would be furious.—
Wally Adeyemo,
Foreign Affairs,
19 Aug. 2025
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During the 2013 trial, prosecutors said Arias was furious after Alexander ended their relationship and began seeing someone new, rejecting her attempts to rekindle their romance.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Nonetheless, the show’s premiere provides the perfect moment to map out the slimy, menacing world of Ellen Ripley and company in their epic battle against one of the galaxy’s fiercest creatures.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
12 Aug. 2025
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The potential redistricting effort has faced fierce backlash from opponents, including Democratic lawmakers from the Kansas City area.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Sheckler and Kells have used the parallels in their turbulent journeys in the spotlight to lean on one another, making their bond stronger over the years.—
Michael Saponara,
Billboard,
14 Aug. 2025
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The two were married in 2012, and in the 13 years that followed, Krein was spotted from time to time with the powerful political family as his father-in-law navigated a presidential campaign and turbulent term in the White House.—
Kyler Alvord,
People.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The discovery suggests that if such explosive events are commonplace in young star systems, newborn stars and any planets that form around them may exist in environments far more chaotic and intense than previously thought, according to a new study.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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This type of explosive strengthening is happening more frequently as planet-warming pollution tips the scales toward hotter oceans that fuel powerful storms.—
Briana Waxman,
CNN Money,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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The Jayhawks’ offense should play a pivotal role in ensuring KU comes out on top. Prediction: Kansas (3-1) Game 5: KU vs. Cincinnati Cincinnati looks to get back on track after a rough first two seasons in the Big 12.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
14 Aug. 2025
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My mother, just beneath her skin, housed a palpable rage, and my father’s cheeks were pocked and rough from ingrown hairs.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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But don’t count Odenkirk, who was about the age of most of Dahl’s rabid young fans at the time.—
William Lee,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Aug. 2025
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The modes feature enough depth to sate the most rabid football fan.—
Gieson Cacho,
Mercury News,
14 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bang-bang.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bang-bang. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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