as in body blow
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as in to knock down
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sucker punch
Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 June 2025
This doesn’t sit well with Mia’s very jealous ex-boyfriend Connor (Aramis Knight, oozing villainy as if to the Karate Kid manor born), who gives Li a black eye with a vicious sucker punch.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
Killing Joel was a sucker punch, but forcing players to take on the identity of his killer?
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
Yet Victoria feels sucker punched by Piper’s revelation, as if she’s never met her daughter before.
—Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sucker punch
Verb
Floating around London’s Chelsea Flower Show as dusk is about to fall, the air is thick, the herbal scents of salvia and geranium offset by the minty nepeta and the flouncing citrus sucker punch of verbana.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 June 2025
This doesn’t sit well with Mia’s very jealous ex-boyfriend Connor (Aramis Knight, oozing villainy as if to the Karate Kid manor born), who gives Li a black eye with a vicious sucker punch.
—Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
Killing Joel was a sucker punch, but forcing players to take on the identity of his killer?
—Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 27 May 2025
Yet Victoria feels sucker punched by Piper’s revelation, as if she’s never met her daughter before.
—Cyndy Etler, Hartford Courant, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sucker punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sucker punch
Noun
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Most of the industry seems to view the measure as a body blow that will hurt tech companies’ ability to hire the best talent.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
22 Sep. 2025
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Ali went forward stiffly, his trunk and hips deeply bruised from Frazier’s body blows.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Tamra Judge steps up to the line and, like Judge Dredd with hair extensions, knocks down two dozen or so targets in 27 seconds, seemingly without missing a shot.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
27 Sep. 2025
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The first clue directs teams to an ice rink where duos must push each other on sleds with the goal of knocking down bowling pins.—
Nick Caruso,
TVLine,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Now imagine he was felled by an assassin’s bullet.—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
23 Sep. 2025
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The rebuilding took 1,200 oak trees felled from forests across France to replace the framework of the roof and 1,000 construction workers.—
Jon Haworth,
ABC News,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In the aftermath of his killing, many on the right, including the President, have responded by promising a crackdown on the left, igniting debates on political violence and free speech.—
Rebecca Schneid,
Time,
22 Sep. 2025
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For Democrats and liberals, the raw energy — and occasionally fearful anger — that Kirk’s supporters displayed is something that the political left must overcome to retake the House in next year’s midterms and the White House after that.—
Ronald J. Hansen,
AZCentral.com,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Before your boss could match dance steps to the music, his opponent was already kicking him in the groin and throwing rabbit punches.—
Letters to the Editor,
Orlando Sentinel,
2 July 2024
Verb
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Gardens brim with fall florals, landscapers here seem to outdo themselves, decking porches and pathways with mums, pumpkins, and late blooms that rival summer’s splendor.—
Christine Chitnis,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
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The brewery will also still deck the halls for its over-the-top Big Holiday Energy pop-up later this year.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Renegotiating a media rights deal while that acquisition is still pending may present a conflict of interest both sides would like to avoid.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
24 Sep. 2025
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In an emotional monologue, Kimmel addressed the controversy surrounding his comments on the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, clarified his intent, and thanked both supporters and critics who defended his right to speak.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
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In a medium mixing bowl, cream together butter, sugar and honey until well combined.—
Gretchen McKay,
Twin Cities,
12 Sep. 2025
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Frosting is made with butter or cream and works well for design creation without being as hearty as fondant.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Sucker punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sucker%20punch. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
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