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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The boxers, aged 40 and 42 respectively, threw hopeful knockout punches and barely jabbed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026 -
Benvolio pulls up the covers on the other side, revealing Jupe in nothing but his boxers.—
Ellise Shafer,
Variety,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
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In 1978, following a series of attacks organized by Palestinian fighters from Lebanese soil, Israel invaded Lebanon and occupied its south in what was known as Operation Litani.—
Mireille Rebeiz,
The Conversation,
8 Apr. 2026
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In 1969, Palestinian fighters used the area here — with Lebanon’s blessing — to wage attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli soldiers to dynamite 17 houses in Kfar Chouba.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At roughly 1,800 years old, the artwork depicts women fighting animals long after the empire banned them from performing as gladiators.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
1 Apr. 2026
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Truck traditionalists and forum gladiators will argue this, of course.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
31 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Pugilists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilists. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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