as in to attack
to criticize harshly and usually publicly
The comic ended the show with a rant in which he potshot an assortment of celebrities.
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Recent Examples of potshot
Thomas Page, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
The potshots continue Despite the tariff truce, both sides have continued to take swipes at each other in other areas, underscoring the fragility of the strained ties.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Or, at the very least, some positive signs that ease Messi’s annoyance, end the slew of disappointing results and give Beckham’s patience some respite from social media potshots by jubilant rivals.
—Martin Rogers, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Taking a potshot is a 90-day misdemeanor, plus fines.
—Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 6 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for potshot
Noun
Set in New Mexico and starring Joaquin Phoenix as a conservative small-town sheriff squaring off with Pedro Pascal’s liberal mayor, the film takes potshots across political divides, nailing some targets better than others.
—Thomas Page, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
The potshots continue Despite the tariff truce, both sides have continued to take swipes at each other in other areas, underscoring the fragility of the strained ties.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Or, at the very least, some positive signs that ease Messi’s annoyance, end the slew of disappointing results and give Beckham’s patience some respite from social media potshots by jubilant rivals.
—Martin Rogers, New York Times, 12 May 2025
Taking a potshot is a 90-day misdemeanor, plus fines.
—Neal Rubin, Freep.com, 6 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for potshot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for potshot
Verb
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When drones attacked Saudi Aramco facilities in Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia, in 2019, taking out 5% of the country’s oil production, prices spiked but surprisingly returned to normal within a matter of weeks.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
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The fight marks Strickland’s first bout since he was suspended from the UFC in July 2025 for attacking another fighter while working as a cornerman during an event.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The announcement represents the latest salvo in a battle between student activists who are calling for an end to aggressive immigration enforcement and state leaders who are looking to curb the walkouts.—
Silas Allen,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
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But for a strategy like this to work, the PLA will need many of them to be fired in one salvo, with a very high attrition rate to be expected.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The president went on to slam Moore by name in the Truth Social post criticizing response to the sewage spill.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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Homeowners would be slammed and renters won’t escape a property tax increase, because landlords will have to raise the rent to pay City Hall.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
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That move protected him from the Rule 5 Draft and signaled that the Yankees still have high hopes for a guy who was a consensus top-100 prospect before the barrage of injuries.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 Feb. 2026
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Ukrainian civilians endure Russian aerial barrages that repeatedly knock out power and smash homes, while Ukraine has developed drones that can fly deep into Russian territory and strike oil refineries and arms depots.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Porter was initially viewed as having a potential edge in the race, but her prospects dimmed after videos emerged in October of the UC Irvine law professor scolding a reporter and swearing at an aide.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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He is being groomed, playing, testing boundaries and even being scolded which are all part of normal social learning for young macaques.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On Fritz's last match point, Shelton converted a volley to get back to deuce and went on to hold serve with a backhand volley into the open court with both players at the net.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
15 Feb. 2026
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Cupid will be on the prowl this Valentine's Day weekend, hunting down potential targets to unleash a volley of amorous arrows onto unsuspecting mortals.—
Jeff Spry,
Space.com,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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To do so would be rude, politically perilous, insulting to our biggest trade partner and just plain weird.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Feb. 2026
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Even if their tastes differ from yours, true friends shouldn’t insult your honest self-expression.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Fifteen ejected cartridge casings were left in the street when, prosecutors argue, Bell-Johnson stopped his fusillade.—
Emerson Clarridge
Updated February 4,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Feb. 2026
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But Trump’s relationship with Musk eventually dissolved, resulting in Musk’s departure in May and a fusillade of disparaging messages between the two men on social media.—
Michael Collins,
USA Today,
30 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Potshot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/potshot. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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