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
  • 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
  • The opening minutes were relatively evenly matched as both teams felt each other out like boxers at the start of a major bout.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of boxers
Noun
  • According to the latest indictment, federal prosecutors allege that Paez enforces the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations in Sinaloa and Tijuana using armed fighters and hit men to carry out murders, kidnappings and other violent activity.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • Across the country, insurgent candidates-—-perhaps most notably Zohran Mamdani in New York City—have found traction by presenting themselves as unapologetic fighters willing to challenge both Republicans and their own party’s leadership.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 8 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 13 Jul. 2026.

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