pugilist

noun

ˈpyü-jə-list How to pronounce pugilist (audio)
Definition of pugilistnext
as in boxer
one that engages in the sport of fighting with the fists a pugilist with the trademark of the boxing ring: a nose that showed signs of having been broken on more than one occasion

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 pugilist The Antonoff of the early Bleachers albums was pop’s pint-sized pugilist, muscling his way to the front of the pack. — Walden Green, Pitchfork, 30 May 2026 In terms of skippers, our Frank Selee might rightly be considered more philosopher than a pugilist. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 6 May 2026 But a patient pugilist values the muffled thud of shots to the resolve. — Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 5 May 2026 To his credit, the bloodied Yankees fan fought back much better than most pugilists who give up the high ground. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pugilist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilist
  1. boxer
  2. fighter
Noun
  • Russ has a solid roster of people from different stretches of Tyson’s life, from childhood friends to gym partners to follow boxers to family members to several of the women who didn’t divorce him or accuse him of rape.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The Ukrainian boxer and Olympic gold medalist has had full custody of their daughter since 2018.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of boxer
Noun
  • Its design supports an air group of up to around 40 aircraft, including F-35B fighters and helicopters, depending on the operational configuration.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This reboot, directed by Kitao Sakurai and starring Noah Centineo and Andrew Koji, takes place in 1993 as two estranged fighters are recruited to enter a tournament that forces them to face off against each other.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of fighter

Browse Nearby Words

pug
pugilist
pugilists
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Cite this Entry

“Pugilist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilist. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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