pugilist

noun

ˈpyü-jə-list How to pronounce pugilist (audio)
Definition of pugilistnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 pugilist The Antonoff of the early Bleachers albums was pop’s pint-sized pugilist, muscling his way to the front of the pack. — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 May 2026 In terms of skippers, our Frank Selee might rightly be considered more philosopher than a pugilist. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 May 2026 But a patient pugilist values the muffled thud of shots to the resolve. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 5 May 2026 To his credit, the bloodied Yankees fan fought back much better than most pugilists who give up the high ground. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pugilist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilist
  1. boxer
  2. fighter
Noun
  • Mac and Rian were up the mountain this morning because Rian had gotten into a fight with a classmate, who, like Rian, was nine years old, and also from a family of brothers -- except the Sullivans were all boxers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Tina Chance, the novel’s protagonist, is one of the most successful female boxers in the country, let alone her small Florida town.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of boxer
Noun
  • Stacy Keach, the legendary actor whose unmistakable voice and powerful performances captivated generations of Americans, is being remembered by his beloved wife as a devoted husband, loving father and courageous fighter after his death at 85.
    — Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 11 Nov. 2026
  • At least 18 flights from cities including Copenhagen, Dublin, Helsinki, Madrid, Milan and Warsaw were impacted, with some being diverted to military bases or given escorts by fighter jets.
    — Aliss Higham, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of fighter

Browse Nearby Words

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pugilist
pugilists
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Cite this Entry

“Pugilist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilist. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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