bare-knuckle

adjective or adverb

bare-knuck·​le ˈber-ˈnə-kəl How to pronounce bare-knuckle (audio)
variants or less commonly bare-knuckled
ˈber-ˈnə-kəld How to pronounce bare-knuckle (audio)
or bare-knuckles
ˈber-ˈnə-kəlz How to pronounce bare-knuckle (audio)
Synonyms of bare-knucklenext
1
: not using boxing gloves
… champion bare-knuckle prizefighter of England …—Dennis Craig
when men fought bare-knuckle
2
: having a fierce unrelenting character
bare-knuckle politics

Examples of bare-knuckle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This kind of bare-knuckle politics might explain why so many other GOP leaders are uneasy. — The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026 Surviving and thriving during 50 years of bare-knuckle Massachusetts politics is proof of that. — Jon Keller, CBS News, 15 June 2026 For Republicans, despite victories in a bare-knuckle redistricting war, the House already looks lost. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 29 May 2026 The spectacle brought together two bare-knuckle brands that have been intertwined for years, and was symbolic of the pugilistic moment in American politics. — Zac Anderson, USA Today, 14 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bare-knuckle

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bare-knuckle was in 1882

Rhymes for bare-knuckle

See All Rhymes for bare-knuckle

Browse Nearby Words

bare (it) all
bare-knuckle
barely
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bare-knuckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bare-knuckle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bare-knuckle

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