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
  • Next up, Average Joes versus NFL players, NHL players and pro boxers!
    — Amber Harding OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026
  • The sweatshirt-fabric robes modeled on boxers' cover-ups are a nice change up from the typical hotel offerings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of boxers
Noun
  • An Iranian missile and drone attack has killed nine fighters of an Iranian-Kurdish group based in neighboring Iraq, according to an official from the group.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
  • What does Texas congressman Brandon Gill think of one of the UFC fighters at the White House calling Michelle Obama a man?
    — Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026
Definition of fighters
Noun
  • Protected by the masks, the gladiators assume a secret identity and become national symbols.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • Try out the modern-day gladiators with cool styles to shop below.
    — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 30 June 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 20 Jul. 2026.

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