pugilists

noun

plural of pugilist
as in boxers
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 pugilists 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilists
  1. boxers
  2. fighters
  3. gladiators
Noun
  • View gallery - 3 images As the second World Humanoid Robot Games got under way on August 21 at Beijing’s National Speed Skating Oval, most of the interest has been on the machine sprinters and boxers.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026
  • As a teenager and young adult, Tae-ha had a bright future as one of South Korea’s best young boxers.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of boxers
Noun
  • Myers spoke vaguely about winning and losing, while interspersing clips of Ultimate Fighting Championship interviews with fighters after matches.
    — Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Niger’s ruling junta survived its most serious internal challenge since the 2023 coup after renegade soldiers mutinied in Niamey and Russian Africa Corps fighters helped presidential guards retake a key airbase.
    — Chinedu Asadu, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of fighters
Noun
  • This pair has a subtle gladiator-like design (ICYMI, gladiators are back), with straps wrapping slightly up the ankle.
    — Anna Traver, InStyle, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The Greeks branded their slaves; the Romans tattooed their gladiators.
    — Jill Lepore, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of gladiators

Browse Nearby Words

pugilist
pugilists
pugnacious
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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