double whammy

Definition of double whammynext
as in blow
informal a situation that is bad in two different ways; a situation in which two bad conditions exist at the same time or two bad things happen one after the other With the cold weather and the high cost of heating fuel, homeowners were hit with a double whammy this winter.

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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 double whammy The trend of hospitals asking for money up front represents a double whammy for patients. — Julie Appleby, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026 The double whammy of new classes and high temps is all the more reason to treat yourself — or the back-to-schooler in your life — at one of these incredible new ice cream and gelato destinations around the region. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026 Radio got hit with a double whammy of bad news last week, affecting both AM and FM bands. — Richard Wagoner, Daily News, 10 Aug. 2026 But a renter has probably absorbed years of increases, while new homebuyers face the double whammy of steep prices and high borrowing costs. — Brandy Hadley, Fortune, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for double whammy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double whammy
Noun
  • Toney is one of the leaders on the team, so losing him before the biggest game of the regular season was a tough blow.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • While the announcement doesn’t guarantee that Eisenkot will be the next prime minister, Herzog’s decision is another blow to Netanyahu, who lost his parliamentary majority in the election.
    — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • People mourn for the dead from the Cherry Mine disaster in 1909.
    — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The developer sees potential uses in disaster assessment, water resource monitoring and surveys of coastlines and ports.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • At the time of the last catastrophe, a convulsive shift in media consumption began undermining the value of the legacy distribution scheme, which in turn led to grave uncertainties related to revenue sharing.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The strategy provided insurers with concessions such as the right to charge policyholders for the reinsurance carriers must buy to protect themselves from catastrophes, such as the January 2025 wildfires.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The incident horrified parents and neighbors, who wanted to know what the city could do to prevent another tragedy.
    — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Slafter doesn't want her son to be connected to this tragedy.
    — Olivia Young, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Double whammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20whammy. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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