body blow

noun

Definition of body blownext
as in sucker punch

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of body blow Jaxson Hayes delivered the final body blow, throwing down an Eastbay dunk in transition after stealing the ball from Josh Giddey to put the Lakers up by 14 with just under three minutes remaining. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026 The recent termination of federal tax credits for zero-emission vehicles delivered a body blow to end-of-the-year sales across California. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026 Most of the industry seems to view the measure as a body blow that will hurt tech companies’ ability to hire the best talent. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025 But the sixth, after the break in Nashville, knocked LAFC out of the tournament with what felt like a body blow from ES Tunis. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for body blow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for body blow
  1. left
  2. rabbit punch
  3. right
  4. knee
  5. swing
  6. kick
  7. roundhouse
  8. shiver
Noun
  • Mandarin Oriental regulars will know to look for the hotel’s signature fan, which hangs to the left of the entrance.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Their father devoured his meal, slurping up soup with his right hand and swallowing bread spread with miso paste with his left.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of left
Noun
  • Before your boss could match dance steps to the music, his opponent was already kicking him in the groin and throwing rabbit punches.
    — Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 2 July 2024
Definition of rabbit punch
Noun
  • The district has swung even further to the right since Perriello briefly represented the region following President Barack Obama’s 2008 election.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, Maryland pushed back again, exercising its right of first refusal to purchase the rights back, leaving the Preakness on the outside looking in.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of right
Noun
  • New York Mets rookie Jefry Yan jumped high in the air with his feet spread apart, landed on the front of the mound and then slapped the grass with his left hand while briefly going to a knee.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Kayvon Thibodeaux took Burns’ spot … Slot corner Dru Phillips went down with an apparent right knee injury.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of knee
Noun
  • This was the first indication that Fred Johnson actually has the edge in the swing tackle battle.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Summer is in full swing, and so is Europe’s busiest travel season.
    — Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of swing
Noun
  • The slow pace continued for a while, but eventually, Punk took down Rhodes with a leaping heel kick and tweaked his knee.
    — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The kick was awarded when Toronto (3-7-8) defender Richie Laryea picked up a yellow card for a foul on Agustín Ojeda.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of kick
Noun
  • McGregor’s first fight in five years lasted only 1 minute, 9 seconds because of a knee injury sustained while attempting an opening roundhouse kick on Saturday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • In the 2000s, the museum began converting a historic roundhouse that was once used as a horse stable into its current incarnation as an event and exhibition space.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Definition of roundhouse
Noun
  • Speaking to Julia Cunningham on her eponymous podcast, Adams says the moment when Cecile realizes her half-sister is the serial killer (while her mom was a plain ol’ one-off manslaughterer) still gives her the shivers.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Judith claims to be a forensic accountant, but is actually a career assassin whose very name sends shivers of fear through her enemies and ones of excitement through her admirers.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Definition of shiver

Browse Nearby Words

body bags
body blow
body blows
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Cite this Entry

“Body blow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/body%20blow. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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