haymaker

noun

ˈhā-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce haymaker (audio)
Definition of haymakernext
as in punch
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument dealt his opponent a haymaker that sent him reeling across the boxing ring

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 haymaker If Brunson is a knockout puncher, leaving opponents on the mat with devastating haymakers that turn the lights out, Anunoby specializes in body blows. — James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 28 May 2026 The challenge this season will be avoiding a haymaker from September and October. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 May 2026 As both fighters were bloodied, Strickland said that Chimaev pointed to the mat near the end of the fifth round, which is a sign to fighters to start throwing haymakers. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026 Because similar efforts to the one put forth Wednesday will only yield similar results against this young, hungry Spurs team that responded to Minnesota’s Game 1 jab with a haymaker. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for haymaker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haymaker
  1. punch
  2. blow
  3. thud
  4. slap
  5. thump
  6. swipe
  7. hit
  8. knock
Noun
  • This warm and spicy perfume is the perfect transitional scent for the season, with a fruity punch that still feels fresh enough for late summer.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Mazda has a reputation for making affordable cars that still pack a punch, and the Mazda3 is no exception.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of punch
Noun
  • Patrick Zabi uses his height (6ft 3in) to stride through midfield and blow games apart.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Shares are surging over 24% after issuing blow-away numbers for the quarter and guide.
    — Jim Cramer, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of blow
Noun
  • Others joined him and the thud of clubs on tree trunks resumed.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Someone somewhere shrieks, then grunts before hitting the ground with a thud.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of thud
Noun
  • Instead, a slap and then reverse-slap of their hands turns to a fist-on-top-of-fist bump, which then wraps up with a classic knuckle tap.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • These 16 slaps are lucid and adventurous, featuring random Jay Electronica warblings, DJ Quik rhythms, and a couple of surprisingly appropriate Westside Gunn vignettes.
    — Will Dukes, Rolling Stone, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of slap
Noun
  • Their pitching is good, Griffin Jax could return soon, and Liam Hicks has added some thump to a lineup previously built around three really good hitters (Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda) and a bunch of do-your-job role players.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The lower-vocal harmony struggles to stand out any time the deeper bass thumps.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of thump
Noun
  • Suddenly, cheeks, lips, and lids could all receive a wash of color with a simple swipe, making a coordinated makeup look considerably easier to pull together.
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Cloud’s message appeared to be a swipe at Freedom, who announced his intentions to compete in the WNBA as players and coaches have spoken out about trans athletes in women and girls’ sports.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of swipe
Noun
  • Morales’ first big-league hit was also his first big-league homer.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Sundays are reserved for manti—delicate lamb dumplings served with garlicky yoghurt and a hint of sumac—a dish that is always a hit with a loyal crowd of regulars.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of hit
Noun
  • Edman led the team with four, but Hernández’ second knock was the most important one, snapping the skid and taking Tarik Skubal off the hook for a loss.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The knock was that Pearson had overpowering stuff but struggled at times with his command.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of knock

Browse Nearby Words

haylofts
haymaker
haymakers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Haymaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haymaker. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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