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
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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
Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilists
Noun
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Are speed bags only a good exercise for boxers?—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
11 May 2026
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Its portfolio includes Matchroom Boxing, the Professional Darts Corporation and the World Snooker Tour, among other businesses, and the company represents star boxers Anthony Joshua and Katie Taylor, as well as the reigning two-time darts world champion Luke Littler.—
Justin Birnbaum,
Sportico.com,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Hezbollah issued a statement saying that its fighters struck Israeli troops Tuesday morning near the Litani River in the village of Deir Seryan with rockets.—
Bassem Mroue,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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Russian forces have suffered heavy casualties in Mali, including a deadly ambush in 2024 that killed multiple Wagner fighters.—
Nimi Princewill,
CNN Money,
10 May 2026
Noun
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The stories of gladiators and the sheer size of the arena captivate younger imaginations in a way few other sites can.—
Lauren Schuster,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Apr. 2026
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Part of the appeal of female gladiators was their very paradoxical nature.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pugilists.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilists. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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