pugilists

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

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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
Noun
  • Then the two boxers pound the daylights out of each other.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 June 2026
  • Starting pitchers are their boxers.
    Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • Two fighters made their entrance from the Oval Office.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2026
  • The fighters, certainly there is diversity among the fighters.
    Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • Roman emperors used gladiators to do just that.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2026
  • Thus, in a moment celebrated by the poet Martial in his Liber de Spectaculis, the emperor Titus freed two gladiators on the opening day of the Colosseum.
    Cullen Murphy, The Atlantic, 13 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pugilists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilists. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.

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