hammer 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hammernext
1
as in to draw
to shape with a hammer medieval artisans hammered brass into various bowls and trays, which they then embossed with elaborate designs

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2
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner hammer a nail hammered the ball for a home run

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3
as in to pound
to strike repeatedly tried hammering the door to wake them up the crops were hammered with hail

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4
as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings the critics have long been hammering the stage actress for resorting to the same mixed bag of mannerisms over and over

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hammer

2 of 2

noun

as in sledgehammer

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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 hammer
Verb
That’s because New Mexico has been hammered by persistent drought, and large swaths of the Rio Grande have dried up in the central part of the state. — Will Weissert, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 That's because New Mexico has been hammered by persistent drought, and large swaths of the Rio Grande have dried up in the central part of the state. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
Newcastle looked to be getting all three points in Matthias Jaissle’s first Premier League game in charge until a late foul by Lewis Hall allowed Szoboszlai to hammer home. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The pants feature more elevated details like deep front pockets and a hammer loop. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hammer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hammer
  1. draw
  2. hit
  3. pound
  4. scold
  5. sledgehammer
  6. forge
  7. knock
  8. lick
Verb
  • The trial brings to a head a decades-old case that for years has drawn the eyes of hip-hop fans and true crime experts alike.
    — Jonathan Landrum Jr, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • That plant -- a 600-megawatt solar field and 350-megawatt battery solar facility -- will feed the grid from which Google's West Memphis data center will draw massive power.
    — Sydney Sasser, Arkansas Online, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of draw
Verb
  • Throw it on over a swimsuit before hitting the beach, or accessorize it with a belt and some sunnies for a laid-back, yet polished, ensemble.
    — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The American military undertook fresh strikes against Iran, hitting air defense and radar system targets.
    — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • On offense, that means pounding the rock with a stout run game and letting that set up the passing attack.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Russia pounded Kyiv for more than 12 hours in a sixth straight night of attacks, killing at least 12 people including six railway workers and an Indian citizen, and devastating civilian districts.
    — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of pound
Verb
  • Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, during testing, the handheld triggered nostalgic memories of playing Final Fantasy Legend and Mario Land 2 on long car rides to my grandparents' house, but without the eye strain and being scolded for playing in the dark as the sun set.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of scold
Noun
  • However, according to the report, violence is increasing in museum thefts, with thieves using instruments such as dynamite, guns, and sledgehammers to gain access to treasures and deter employees from interfering.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But because the perpetrators smashed through the business’ front window, either with a vehicle or sledgehammer, that damage alone cost about $1,000 each time, Mullen said.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of sledgehammer
Verb
  • However, City have now forged ahead after agreeing a package worth £65million for the 26-year-old.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The customer favorite is forged from iron, polypropylene, and wood, and provides a haven from wind, rain, and sun.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of forge
Verb
  • If such an attack succeeds, Gulf Arab states’ need to save their huge oil infrastructure investments could knock them out of their informal American coalition or force Washington to accept Iranian terms on reopening the strait.
    — JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
  • With clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, London City Lionesses and Brighton, albeit the latter has just appointed a new head coach, knocking at the door, this could be United’s toughest season yet.
    — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of knock
Verb
  • That glib self-confidence is present in McNamara, who licks the doughnut glaze off his fingers before offering his hand to the female detective questioning the one living Jason.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • One act featured two young women sitting on the stage and licking orange Popsicles (yes, that was the whole act).
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lick

Phrases Containing hammer

Browse Nearby Words

hammed
hammer
hammer-and-tongs
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Cite this Entry

“Hammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hammer. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hammer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hammer

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