1
as in to draw
to shape with a hammer
medieval artisans hammered brass into various bowls and trays, which they then embossed with elaborate designs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
hammer a nail hammered the ball for a home run
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to pound
to strike repeatedly
tried hammering the door to wake them up the crops were hammered with hail
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
the critics have long been hammering the stage actress for resorting to the same mixed bag of mannerisms over and over
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sledgehammer
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hammer
Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
The worm is anywhere from 12 to 15 inches long and has a wide head resembling a hammer.
—Paris Goodman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2025
Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
Housebuilding hammered by tariff uncertainty The total cost of building a mid-range single-family home could rise by more than $4,000 as a result of Trump's tariffs, an NBC News analysis of building materials shows — an estimate that industry experts who reviewed the analysis called conservative.
—Jeremy Mikula, NBC news, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hammer
Verb
That’s right, the first step in unveiling a bottle of the 51 requires swinging—or rather, tapping—a custom hammer on the shell that incases the bottle.
—Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 23 June 2025
The worm is anywhere from 12 to 15 inches long and has a wide head resembling a hammer.
—Paris Goodman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 June 2025
Noun
His fourth slider of the at-bat was up over the plate and Vaughn hammered it into the right field seats for a three-run home run.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 8 July 2025
Housebuilding hammered by tariff uncertainty The total cost of building a mid-range single-family home could rise by more than $4,000 as a result of Trump's tariffs, an NBC News analysis of building materials shows — an estimate that industry experts who reviewed the analysis called conservative.
—Jeremy Mikula, NBC news, 6 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hammer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hammer
Verb
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However, until President Trump drew a line in the sand and demanded that NATO members increase their spending — or else — those other countries continued to freeride.—
Michelle Flowers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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Both of those years were blessed with great weather, and the two festivals drew about 140,000 people combined.—
Piet Levy,
jsonline.com,
12 July 2025
Verb
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While hitting 350 homers is a feat in itself, Judge reached the mark more quickly than former slugger Mark McGwire.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
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The Padres took a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a one-out single, moved to third on a single by Luis Arraez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Machado.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
That first flight on April 28, 2021, was deep within the COVID-19 pandemic that pounded the airline industry.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
17 July 2025
-
Play was suspended a couple of times because of severe weather, the occasional pounding rain and possibly lightning.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
15 July 2025
Verb
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Officials want Indianapolis parents to take responsibility for their children Speaking at a news conference over the weekend, Bailey scolded parents for allowing their children out at night unsupervised.—
Matthew Cupelli,
IndyStar,
7 July 2025
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Trump has publicly scolded Massie for his opposition.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
And bringing down this sledgehammer at this moment was emphasized by all of the European allies who were at the meeting that Senator Graham and I attended in Europe.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
13 July 2025
-
The Supreme Court’s new test, with its implicit suggestion that coercion is found in exposure to materials that go against central tenets of parental religion, is more sledgehammer than scalpel.—
Stephen L. Carter,
Twin Cities,
2 July 2025
Verb
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But forging strong ties without in-person interaction remains a challenge.—
Forbes.com,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Exploring and experimenting through storytelling that forges an identity for Colombia’s Caribbean region, Estuario Cine was established by Alberto de la Espriella and Antonio Camargo in 2022.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Less than a month later, Monson knocked nearly 10 seconds off the American record at 10,000 meters, running 30:03.82 at The Ten, a Sound Running distance carnival in San Juan Capistrano.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 July 2025
Verb
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The Boston Celtics are still licking their wounds following the heartbreaking end to the 2024-25 NBA season.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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And Lil Wayne agrees by licking my face, which is part of the job description for companion dogs.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hammer. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.
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