pug

noun

Definition of pugnext
as in boxer
one that engages in the sport of fighting with the fists a retired pug with battered ears and swollen knuckles

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 pug She’s also obsessed with her dog—a pug named Daphne—and always shopping for new outfits, toys, and accessories for her fur baby. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 16 July 2026 That patient was Tilly, a 2-year-old pug who arrived at the organization’s Lazin Animal Foundation Trauma Hospital in late May in critical condition. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 Short-muzzle breeds like pugs and bull dogs are at higher risk of heat stroke, as are older dogs, overweight dogs and dogs with medical conditions, according to Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. — Eva Flowe june 22, Charlotte Observer, 22 June 2026 Soon my entire feed was pugs and poodles and beagles and portmanteau blends with absurd names like golden doodle and cavapoo. — Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pug
  1. boxer
  2. fighter
Noun
  • Among the regular participants are active-duty firefighters, lifeguards, professional boxers, National Guard personnel, yoga teachers and locals just looking for a fun way to get their cardio in.
    — Jenna Belhumeur, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The 49ers, an otherwise good team, have for the past couple of months been weaving and slipping bad news like a boxer trying to avoid a knockout punch.
    — Armando Salguero OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of boxer
Noun
  • The Lincoln, its broad flight deck packed with helicopters and warplanes, including the latest F-35 fighter jets, arrived in Laem Chabang early Sept 2.
    — USA Today, USA Today, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Sharks attacking fish, Spider-Man jumping off of a building, Ja Morant putting a poor man on a poster, fighter jets, and Chris Gotterup hitting golf balls; also known as the good stuff.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of fighter

Browse Nearby Words

puffy
pug
pugilist
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on pug

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All