as in punch
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
dealt his opponent a haymaker that sent him reeling across the boxing ring
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 haymaker
Those fans who arrived after kickoff missed a chaotic beginning as the talented offenses delivered haymakers.
—
Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 22 Nov. 2025
These teams are trading haymakers.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025
Against a Packers team that some have pinned as NFC favorites, the Dallas offense hung with Green Bay in a haymaker fight that had both arms being raised at the conclusion.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
The Miami Dolphins certainly took a haymaker to the face on Wednesday courtesy of the Detroit Lions.
—Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for haymaker
Matt Roy, Boston Herald, 22 Nov. 2025
These teams are trading haymakers.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025
Against a Packers team that some have pinned as NFC favorites, the Dallas offense hung with Green Bay in a haymaker fight that had both arms being raised at the conclusion.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
The Miami Dolphins certainly took a haymaker to the face on Wednesday courtesy of the Detroit Lions.
—Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for haymaker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haymaker
Noun
-
Those two factors, coupled with the offensive punch that Lleyton Weaver and BJ Knowlton provided, had the Hurricane within striking distance the entire game.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
-
The Horns have some talent, but have been a sieve on defense over the last few games, including a gut punch of a 101-98 overtime loss at home to Mississippi State in the conference opener.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
-
George Kittle’s Achilles had popped, a devastating blow to the soul of the roster.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And then, when Stafford and Rodgers and the Titans said no thanks, Schoen landed with a thud on … Russell Wilson.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Panthers’ run game ended the 2025 regular season with a thud.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Edmundson, who had a goal disallowed earlier, found a loose puck and cranked a slap shot.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The friendship developed during rehearsals, and then a confrontation in the film between their characters culminated in a slap.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Jin Shin has come across some monster potholes over the last couple of weeks, including one in Koreatown that rattled his car with a sickening thump and another near the airport where its depth was obscured by water.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Twitchy enough to line up off the edge or run with a tight end in the slot, Fisher (6-1, 231) is a bit small but brings enough thump to be the type of linebacker who never has to leave the field.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wipe in circular motions with a lint-free microfiber cloth to loosen grime, then finish with long, horizontal swipes.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The blue swipe cupping each tip adds the perfect finishing touch.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
That assumption just took a hit.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Jan. 2026
-
There were big hits and little room for error.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The playoffs are the knock against LaFleur.—
Michael Cunningham,
AJC.com,
12 Jan. 2026
-
That’s no knock on Calva, who does as good a job with the role as anyone could have.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Haymaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haymaker. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
