sucker punch 1 of 2

Definition of sucker punchnext

sucker punch

2 of 2

verb

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 sucker punch
Verb
Tucker had a different take, saying that Fletcher was trying to sucker punch him. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026 The State of the Union speeches of his recent predecessors have also been filled, as this one was, with sucker punches thrown at the opposition party. Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026 As the officer got out of the cruiser to assist him, Mullins allegedly sucker punched him in the face several times before the officer was able to defend himself, police said. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 22 Apr. 2026 The genesis of Greig’s sucker punch can be traced to Game 3, when Ottawa defenseman Jake Sanderson was knocked out of the series with a concussion from a hit by former Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall. James Mirtle, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sucker punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sucker punch
Noun
  • The old guard of the Democratic Party suffered another body blow when three socialist congressional candidates in New York with anti-Israel platforms swept to victory, lurching the party even further to the left.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 25 June 2026
  • The defeat was a significant body blow to Arsenal’s aspirations, but City’s 1-0 victory over Burnley can strangely be viewed in a positive light for them.
    Mark Carey, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Carr knocked down a three on an offensive rebound for the Lakers’ first summer league points.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Many injuries were reported in Wisconsin’s Walworth County after the storm toppled trees, knocked down power lines and damaged buildings, said Tom Hausner, undersheriff for the Walworth County Sheriff’s department.
    ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Gonzales ran with a platform decisively to the left, supporting Medicare-for-all, raising the minimum wage and cracking down on junk fees.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Republicans have sought to cast Talarico as too far to the left for Texas, highlighting his past statements on gender and other issues.
    Caroline Linton, CBS News, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • That the forest below has not been felled but has swelled, along with its creatures, is hugely the work of Dharana’s owners, the de Souza family.
    Horatio Clare, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 June 2026
  • The most dangerous situation appeared to be on Barrington Avenue, west of East Dundee Village Hall, where a light, a utility pole and part of a parkway tree were felled by strong winds, leaving power lines dangling across the road.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • The sheen is light as a feather, blends like a dream, and at SPF 50, is a serious sunscreen in its own right.
    Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
  • On the surface, the Supreme Court’s June 30 opinion upholding state laws barring transgender girls from women’s and girl’s sports teams looks like a victory for women’s rights.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • The singer rocked a stylish Fourth of July bikini underneath a onesie, both decked in red, white and blue.
    Joyann Jeffrey, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • All of the comfortable rooms were recently renovated and are decked with blackout curtains.
    Catherine Garcia, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • San Diego’s manager Craig Stammen and coach Ryan Goins were ejected three pitches into the game after arguing a check-swing call.
    Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • Every baseball game has multiple turning points — times when a swing being a split second sooner or a fraction of an inch higher could change everything.
    C. Trent Rosecrans, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • Clarity is the butter creamed with sugar.
    Kent Merrell, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter.
    Kelly Brant, Arkansas Online, 16 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sucker punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sucker%20punch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!