hammer out

verb

hammered out; hammering out; hammers out
Synonyms of hammer outnext

transitive verb

: to produce or bring about as if by repeated blows
hammered out an agreement

Synonyms of hammer out

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Examples of hammer out in a Sentence

the city council hammered out new commercial development regulations with input from residents, business owners, and environmental activists
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.
That gives the parties more time to hammer out a long-term plan. — Nick Sullivan july 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026 The other details that will need to be hammered out. — Josh Feldman, NBC news, 19 June 2026 The deal is slated to take immediate effect and extends a ceasefire while giving each side 60 days to hammer out broader agreements on larger issues. — ABC News, 18 June 2026 The agreement is light on details related to Iran’s nuclear program, which will be hammered out in technical negotiations over a 60-day period. — Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hammer out

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1632, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hammer out was circa 1632

Rhymes for hammer out

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Browse Nearby Words

hammer mill
hammer out
hammer oyster
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Cite this Entry

“Hammer out.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hammer%20out. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hammer out

verb
: to produce or bring about by persistent effort
hammered out an agreement

More from Merriam-Webster on hammer out

Nglish: Translation of hammer out for Spanish Speakers

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