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sawbones

noun

ˈsȯ-ˌbōnz How to pronounce sawbones (audio)
Definition of sawbonesnext
slang
as in doctor
a person specially trained in healing human medical disorders a real old-timer who remembers when you could expect a sawbones to make a house call

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sawbones
  1. doctor
  2. physician
Noun
  • Feeling anxious about doctors, hospitals, or seeking healthcare is something that, unfortunately, many people experience to some degree.
    — R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Now my guy is stuck in an insane asylum with a doctor who seems downright giddy to try out some electroshock therapy.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of doctor
Noun
  • The painting is dedicated to Leo Eloesser, a San Francisco Bay Area physician who helped Kahlo with her chronic pain.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026
  • In 2008, a jury found in favor of the two physicians remaining in the case.
    — Ashley Hume , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of physician
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.

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saw after
sawbones
sawbuck
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Cite this Entry

“Sawbones.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sawbones. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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