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
Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Tucker had a different take, saying that Fletcher was trying to sucker punch him.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The Cowboys were down three members of an already-inept secondary in Denver, and Payton responded with an onslaught of sucker punches that never let up.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
All that changed a few months before the shooting when Jones sucker punched Branton at a bar during an argument over a girlfriend.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sucker punch
Verb
The umpire tried to break up the scuffle, only to be sucker punched from behind by Aballi, police alleged.
—Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Tucker had a different take, saying that Fletcher was trying to sucker punch him.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The Cowboys were down three members of an already-inept secondary in Denver, and Payton responded with an onslaught of sucker punches that never let up.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
All that changed a few months before the shooting when Jones sucker punched Branton at a bar during an argument over a girlfriend.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sucker punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sucker punch
Noun
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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
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The image of Pages making the catch, as Kiké Hernandez absorbs a body blow, is already seared into Dodgers lore.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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In the past, even when Gobert has done his job to the best of anyone’s abilities, Jokic has often found answers in the form of knocking down outside jumpers or by flashing his feathery touch in the midrange.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
David Vazquez came up with the ball and attacked from left of the goal, attempting a shot that, despite Bye’s protests, hit the Timbers’ fullback’s arm.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Since being called up on April 15, Antonacci, a 23-year-old left fielder, is making a case to stay in the big leagues for a while.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the piece, the Vicar of Christ is felled not by his oppressors but rather by a random cosmic event.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Jeff Shell, now felled from his presidency of Paramount, is living proof.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
Noun
-
While the Queen was deeply involved in breeding and racing, Anne became an accomplished equestrian in her own right, even competing in the Olympic Games in 1976.—
Kate Hogan,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
-
Leah Williamson England’s captain will always start if fit, although given the solid performances of Wubben-Moy and others, England can more easily absorb an injury at centre-back than at right-back or in midfield.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Frost Bank Center in San Antonio was decked out with the Spurs’ 1990s-era logo and colors and the fans had matching bright shirts to match.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2026
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The majority of customers on Sunday were decked out in Pistons' gear.—
Julia Avant,
CBS News,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Rams, set up for a boom-or-bust season akin to 2021, were primed for another typical big swing with the 13th pick.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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In terms of a third-round pick, the Eagles took a fair swing at someone who could become a potential successor for Lane Johnson, if not at the very least someone who can provide depth.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sucker punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sucker%20punch. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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