kicker

noun

kick·​er ˈki-kər How to pronounce kicker (audio)
Synonyms of kickernext
1
: one that kicks or kicks something
2
: an unexpected and surprising remark, revelation, or set of circumstances

Examples of kicker in a Sentence

The real kicker came when the chairman announced that he was quitting.
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.
The longer-term kicker for investors is its services. — Josh Brown,sean Russo, CNBC, 22 June 2026 Leave it to the kicker to have a take on the FIFA World Cup. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 10 June 2026 The kicker is that prices on nearly everything fluctuate throughout the year, and some products are discounted on a frequent basis. — Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 2 June 2026 Dealing with Children If the chronic seat kicker happens to be a child, a flight attendant can easily step in without playing the role of babysitter. — Joey Skladany, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for kicker

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kicker was circa 1580

Rhymes for kicker

See All Rhymes for kicker

Browse Nearby Words

kick drum
kicker
kick in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on kicker

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for kicker

Nglish: Translation of kicker for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kicker

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