as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
pummeled the mugger with her fists until help arrived
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pummel
Pinnock said some areas of the island that suffered widespread damage from Melissa were still recovering from damage caused by Hurricane Beryl, a Category 5 hurricane storm that pummeled the island in July 2024.
—
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2025
Hurricane Melissa pummelled Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, and thousands of people were placed under mandatory evacuation orders.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
In Minnesota’s first full game since losing the guard to a hamstring strain, the Wolves pummeled Denver for 65 first-half points Monday night at Target Center — good for an eight-point halftime lead.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025
Some moments he was transfixed by Sendak’s illustrations, particularly one of a rabbit, under one of Jack’s spells, pummeling the nameless dog; at others by the nature of Jack’s transformation.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pummel
Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 29 Oct. 2025
Hurricane Melissa pummelled Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, and thousands of people were placed under mandatory evacuation orders.
—Julia Gomez, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
In Minnesota’s first full game since losing the guard to a hamstring strain, the Wolves pummeled Denver for 65 first-half points Monday night at Target Center — good for an eight-point halftime lead.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 28 Oct. 2025
Some moments he was transfixed by Sendak’s illustrations, particularly one of a rabbit, under one of Jack’s spells, pummeling the nameless dog; at others by the nature of Jack’s transformation.
—David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pummel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pummel
Verb
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The sketch concluded with the librarian licking Moynihan's face with a forked tongue and then unbuttoning her blouse — causing all of the boys' heads to explode.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
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The first is Christopher Walken as Gabriel, a mean-spirited angel who sniffs and licks crime scenes and inspects children’s teeth for reasons that sort of make sense within the movie.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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But most of the time, hiding stuff from them doesn't work.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
11 Nov. 2025
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Oscar’s grouchy shell hides a strangely tender soul, which is classic Scorpio.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Walpole got on the board first, scoring three seconds into the second quarter when Jack English pounded the ball into the end zone on third-and-goal from the one.—
Justin Barrasso,
Boston Herald,
8 Nov. 2025
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Without its dynamic starting quarterback, the Cougars were outpaced by visiting Inglewood, which pounded the rock in a 40-16 victory on Friday at Saddleback College.—
Zach Cavanagh,
Oc Register,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The discussion came as Robinhood posted third quarter results that beat analyst expectations for both revenue and earnings.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
6 Nov. 2025
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That figure, which is provided by payrolls processing company ADP, beat the Dow Jones consensus estimate for an increase of 22,000.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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On social media and in public statements, several Republican figures lashed out at the proposal.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
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Vargas floated groups of migrants across the informal border crossing between Guatemala and Mexico on a makeshift raft made from wooden boards lashed to fat inner tubes.—
Daniel Gonzalez,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Two weeks later, in the next home Premier League game, Neto was the chance provider again, whipping another fine ball from the left as Chelsea were being held 0-0 by Arsenal midway through the first half (the game would end 1-1).—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
10 Nov. 2025
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Next, in another bowl, whip the egg whites to stiff peaks.—
Kathryn Gregory,
Louisville Courier Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The difference now versus in past years isn’t just in the scale but the sophistication of threats pelted at companies and executives, said Matt Dumpert, a managing director who leads Kroll’s enterprise security risk practice.—
Amanda Gerut,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
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First Amendment groups have accused federal authorities of carrying out excessive tactics, including pelting protesters and the media with tear gas and pepper balls.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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After Zelina Vega slapped Rhodes, Aldis booked a non-title match between Rhodes and Black for the main event.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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When a gecko slaps its foot on a wall, many of the branches push tightly against the surface.—
Carl Zimmer,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pummel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pummel. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.
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