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pugilists

noun

plural of pugilist
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

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 pugilists 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilists
  1. boxers
  2. fighters
  3. gladiators
Noun
  • Men's knit vests were styled like halters and worn over button-down shirts and thin long johns peeked out of baggy boxers.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Anthony LaRoque was last seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants and red boxers, with a long black-and-white lanyard hanging from his pocket.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of boxers
Noun
  • The main combatants are Ethiopian federal troops and fighters loyal to the Tigray People's Liberation Front, or TPLF, an armed political group in Tigray, Ethiopia's northernmost regional state.
    — SAMUEL GETACHEW, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Operation Slingshot shows how KC-130J aircraft can deliver fuel, maintenance gear and personnel to remote airfields supporting F-35B fighters.
    — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of fighters
Noun
  • Rome — Rome’s ancient Colosseum, where gladiators were once gored by wild animals to the delight of cheering crowds, has never exactly been associated with safety.
    — Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This pair has a subtle gladiator-like design (ICYMI, gladiators are back), with straps wrapping slightly up the ankle.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of gladiators

Browse Nearby Words

pugilist
pugilists
pugnacious
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Cite this Entry

“Pugilists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilists. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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