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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Jewish boxers also found a place to train there.—
Jackie Hajdenberg,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Feb. 2026 -
Rodriguez Romero was last seen wearing white boxers, a white undershirt and no shoes, officials said.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Njoki claims African fighters were deliberately exposed in dangerous situations as bait for Ukrainian drones.—
Larry Madowo,
CNN Money,
4 Feb. 2026
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More than 71,800 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Reality contestants in novels should be gladiators fighting to the death.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
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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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Cite this Entry
“Pugilists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilists. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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