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 Just a week after earning C-USA Special Teams Player of the Week honors by converting all five field-goal attempts, kicker Robert Czeremcha missed twice, including a potential game-tying kick at the end of regulation. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2026 Palinkas entered the game as placeholder for her husband Steve Palinkas, the Panthers kicker, on extra points. — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026 The decision backfired, as Rams kicker Harrison Mevis’s 48-yard game-winning field goal attempt was blocked by defensive end Greg Rousseau — much to the relief of Cook. — Rohan Nadkarni, NBC news, 13 Oct. 2026 Jaylen Wright also fumbled a kick return — before recovering it — and kicker Riley Patterson missed an extra point and had a kickoff fall short of the landing zone. — CBS News, 13 Oct. 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
  • From a computational perspective, Friston argues, attempting to reduce uncertainty—basically, working to avoid unpleasant surprises—is the brain’s primary goal.
    — Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Students had a surprise visitor — Kendall Jenner, who popped in to their classroom, looking way collegiate in an all-white outfit and sweater around her neck.
    — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 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
  • On the other, evidence suggests this pair of habitual time-wasters were commonly found on the floor, running laughter through a Yamaha SPX90 effects processor for kicks and strumming the same note for 40-odd minutes.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • After Matthew Smith blocked Michigan State’s 33-yard field-goal attempt by Liam Boyd, Chiles drove the Wildcats 64 yards in eight plays to set up the winning kick.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 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
  • The blowout news from SpaceX’s Q3 earnings wasn’t the rocket and AI giant’s outstanding performance that far exceeded even the analysts’ elevated expectations, but Elon Musk’s revelation that SpaceX and Tesla are weighing a merger.
    — Shawn Tully, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The resolution was introduced after revelations about Cornell’s handling of Jane Doe’s allegations that she was raped at the Chi Phi fraternity house in October 2024.
    — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 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
  • Those readouts are standard for major studios, regardless of release or windowing, but the move marks a new level of disclosure for the streamer.
    — Sarah Whitten, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026
  • However, even donating directly can lead to additional campaign messages, so review the site's privacy disclosures and contact preferences.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of disclosure
Noun
  • Being the unintentional voice of political pessimism can make a person something of a pessimist.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • My favourite part of this exercise is seeing the distribution of optimists and pessimists.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 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 22 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on kicker

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kicker

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of vocation

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Can' vs. 'May'

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
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
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All