as in boxers
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilists
Noun
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Also featured in the photo shoot are a pink colorway of the Sinful Rose print, boxers, lace-up bodysuits and more.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026 -
So, too, has the gym’s reputation, built on Jayden’s high placements at national tournaments and national title wins by Osiris and three female youth boxers — including the boys’ sisters Lily Hernandez, 11, and Emoni Rangel, 10.—
Emiliano Tahui Gómez,
Austin American Statesman,
28 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Carrying a 1,000-pound penetrating warhead and with a range of up to 620 miles (1,000 kilometers), the JASSM can also be fired well off Iranian shores from a range of US Air Force jets, including F-15, F-16 and F-35 fighters and B-1, B-2 and B-52 bombers, as well as US Navy F/A-18 fighters.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
14 Jan. 2026
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The bit began with two UFC fighters who emerged to serve as their personal bodyguards against any ravenous super-fans.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Ashur’s gladiators, especially the ambitious Tarchon (Jordi Webber) and Korris, are eager to bask in the notoriety, riches and freedoms a champion status would bring them.—
Aramide Tinubu,
Variety,
1 Dec. 2025
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That is gladiators without swords.—
Bryan West,
USA Today,
28 Oct. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Pugilists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilists. Accessed 19 Jan. 2026.
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