as in boxer
one that engages in the sport of fighting with the fists
a pugilist with the trademark of the boxing ring: a nose that showed signs of having been broken on more than one occasion
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Recent Examples of pugilist
An amateur pugilist who Jean-Luc collaborated with previously, before the guy joined the army and was stationed in Algeria, is recruited to star in it.
—
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Why Exit Planning Can’t Wait Returning to our boxing metaphor, a big plot point of Rocky IV centers on the pugilist’s unease with complacency.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
She is next slated to appear in the boxing drama Christy, based on the life of real professional pugilist Christy Martin.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
The fitness center even has a full-size boxing ring where a champion pugilist offers private lessons.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pugilist
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Why Exit Planning Can’t Wait Returning to our boxing metaphor, a big plot point of Rocky IV centers on the pugilist’s unease with complacency.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
She is next slated to appear in the boxing drama Christy, based on the life of real professional pugilist Christy Martin.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
The fitness center even has a full-size boxing ring where a champion pugilist offers private lessons.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pugilist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilist
Noun
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The former boxer and actor reposted on his Instagram account on Monday, June 1, another user's post in praise of Wild Orchid, the 1989 romantic drama in which Rourke starred with Carré Otis.—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
3 June 2026
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Several notable Atlantans like boxer Evander Holyfield and a few members of the Shop Boyz grew up in the complex.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
3 June 2026
Noun
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Given Coker’s track record and the desire to build attention for the new MMA league and its fighters, tournaments are expected to play a key role.—
Georg Szalai,
HollywoodReporter,
2 June 2026
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Few modern fighters have this feature, and the old F-18s cannot match it.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
2 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pugilist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilist. Accessed 10 Jun. 2026.
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