body blow

noun

Definition of body blownext
as in sucker punch

Related Words

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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
  • The Georgia international cutting in off the left to curl the ball into the far corner has been a trademark in European football since his 2022 move to Napoli, but the ball in behind being played by his opposite winger, Desire Doue, felt different.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The News More than two dozen organizations from both the left and right are urging the White House to publicly release its voluntary AI security framework, per a letter shared first with Semafor.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 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
  • Not to be confused with inverted full backs, an inverted winger is a wide player who is used on the opposite side of the pitch to their strong foot — so a left-footer on the right or a right-footer on the left.
    — Jon Mackenzie, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • If something is shared with the Public Service Commission, should not the public have every right to that information?
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of right
Noun
  • The Los Angeles Rams are loaded, Patrick Mahomes has a new knee, the Super Bowl champs are somehow underdogs and Buffalo Bills fans are once again convincing themselves this is the year!
    — Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Bryce Elder got surgery to remove bone fragments in his right knee and will sit for at least three or four weeks, putting his postseason presence in doubt.
    — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of knee
Noun
  • Sogard followed with another single, and Jarren Duran battled Bassitt to a full count, frustrated with a check swing call, before drawing a walk to load the bases.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins ran into another politically sensitive issue during a swing through Iowa.
    — James A. Downs, The Washington Examiner, 6 Sep. 2026
Definition of swing
Noun
  • On the opening weekend, at the City Ground, they were set for a good 0-0 draw before Anton Stach stole the points with a show-stopping free-kick winner.
    — Beren Cross, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Georgia Tech responded 14 seconds later as Rahkeem Smith returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown and tied the game.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of kick
Noun
  • That was just the latest roundhouse punch in the trade war that flared up again after talks between the two allies and neighbors unexpectedly collapsed Friday.
    — Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 24 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Definition of roundhouse
Noun
  • Which should really send a shiver of age paralysis down every Millennial reader’s spine.
    — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026
  • 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
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 13 Sep. 2026.

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