kicker

noun

Definition of kickernext
1
as in surprise

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in quibbler

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 kicker Robert Czeremcha returns as the starting kicker after only missing one kick in 2025, while punter Trey Wilhoit serves as a weapon that can flip field position. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 17 Aug. 2026 Sayeri wasn’t going to get the job last year until former Nevada Las Vegas kicker and freshman All-American Caden Chittenden got injured and relinquished it with Sayeri’s strong play. — Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 17 Aug. 2026 The Ravens, however, have consistently supported Loop and downplayed the need to bring in another kicker. — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Former kicker Chris Freeman signed with the Houston Texans earlier this week. — Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kicker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicker
  1. surprise
  2. nitpicker
  3. kick
  4. crock
  5. revelation
  6. objector
  7. disclosure
  8. pessimist
Noun
  • While Harry and Meghan’s decision is a surprise to many, royal historian Ed Owens said recent events created a pathway for the couple's return.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For Lush’s head of concepts and collaborations Kalem Brinkworth, the intensity of the group’s fandom was a surprise.
    — Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • Alas, nitpickers can point to some moves in which Atlanta went backward.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Maybe that’s why, compared with some other kinds of nitpickers, pop critics can seem especially extraneous.
    — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Definition of nitpicker
Noun
  • Bruno Guimaraes is carrying a minor knock, and new defender Ezri Konsa was introduced before kick-off.
    — Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Smack also went 3-for-3 on field goals in the Packers’ preseason opener at Pittsburgh, making kicks from 58, 38 and 37 yards.
    — Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of kick
Noun
  • These crocks and trays can be kept out on the counter for easy access while finishing off a sizzling steak in the skillet or stored in the fridge for firmer sticks.
    — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026
  • What To Store On Your Counter Utensil Crock Keep a utensil crock next to your cooktop for making meal prep a breeze.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
Definition of crock
Noun
  • If this doesn’t seem like a gracious revelation, there’s a point to the deep horror that Manchevski draws out here.
    — Beatrice Loayza, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
  • These revelations come as the state is quietly updating its science standards for the first time since 2008.
    — Jessica Meszaros, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of revelation
Noun
  • The process involves a series of hearings in which election judges review signatures one-by-one, and typically requires the objector and the candidate to hire an attorney.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
  • After a two-year National Service stint as a hospital orderly (thanks to his own conscientious-objector status), Hockney landed at the Royal College of Art, in London, in the fall of 1959.
    — Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Definition of objector
Noun
  • Firms may also face reputational risk from participation, along with disclosure and insurance concerns.
    — Jill Goldenziel, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Independent political committees have spent more than $25 million to influence this year’s elections in Georgia, already surpassing the total spent during the 2022 midterms, new campaign disclosures show.
    — David Wickert, AJC.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of disclosure
Noun
  • But even a pessimist then wouldn’t have predicted a plummet in production to this extent two years later.
    — Jayson Stark, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Though the pessimists should be considered carefully, the latest Nobel laureates—awarded their prizes for their on work long-term growth—are optimistic.
    — Bill Conerly, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of pessimist

Browse Nearby Words

kicked upstairs
kicker
kickers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kicker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicker. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on kicker

Nglish: Translation of kicker for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kicker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of tilde

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

16 Glee-ridden Words from Schitt's Creek
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All