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

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
Noun
  • In April 2022, Serrano and Taylor became the first female boxers to headline the legendary New York venue, and, thanks to the involvement of Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the first to earn over $1m each.
    Sarah Shephard, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Among the regular participants are active-duty firefighters, lifeguards, professional boxers, National Guard personnel, yoga teachers and locals just looking for a fun way to get their cardio in.
    Jenna Belhumeur, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Jake and Logan Paul are coaching a new generation of fighters.
    Peter White, Deadline, 10 Sep. 2026
  • In one Ohio township, fire fighters reported being overwhelmed by the high volume of calls to two local data center campuses.
    Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 10 Sep. 2026
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

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Cite this Entry

“Pugilists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilists. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

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