pounce 1 of 2

noun

Definition of pouncenext
as in attack

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pounce

2 of 2

verb

as in to attack

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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 pounce
Noun
The hosts are sent a series of 10 recordings that may or may not contain secret messages about a mythical source of evil just waiting to pounce. — Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 25 Jan. 2026 The reasoning — defensive-minded head coach, pounce on an ascending quarterback and build through draft — offer the Miami Dolphins a pathway out of obscurity. — Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
Now as the race approached the final backstretch, Serna was ready to pounce. — Scott M. Reid, Oc Register, 30 May 2026 Any good striker should be looking to pounce on a ball that falls back into the danger area, but the numbers suggest the rate of goals scored via rebounds looks particularly high compared with previous tournaments. — Mark Carey, New York Times, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pounce
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pounce
  1. attack
  2. cavort
  3. romp
  4. frolic
  5. gambol
Noun
  • The British Army also provided protection from attacks by Native American tribes, giving many settlers little reason to support a rebellion.
    — Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Twice in recent days, the United States has launched retaliatory strikes on Iran following drone attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of attack
Verb
  • McGinley photographed models cavorting naked (always naked) through sand dunes in the Mojave Desert and pine forests in Vermont, in a frigid ice cave in upstate New York and perched above a rushing waterfall in Tennessee.
    — Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 4 July 2026
  • Sea-facing rooms have views of passing ships, cavorting dolphins and the magnificent sunsets.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 June 2026
Definition of cavort
Verb
  • Youngsters romped through the crowd, happily indulging in eggthrowing or dunking-machine antics or trying to climb to the pinnacle of a greased pole, where a $20 bill waited.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 July 2026
  • England is also looking to secure its spot in its knockout, having romped to a 4-2 win against Croatia in its opener.
    — David Hickey, NBC news, 23 June 2026
Definition of romp
Verb
  • Nothing etches itself in your heart quite like the memory of watching a pack of energetic African wild dogs frolicking, a lioness and her cubs dozing on the Kalahari with your own kids tucked in close.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 June 2026
  • However, the Scarlet Darkness Floral Smocked Dress is another stunning selection that’s under $35 now, and it’s practically made to be worn while frolicking around a European vineyard.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026
Definition of frolic
Verb
  • The foundation's dogs typically eat about 10 metric tons (22,046 pounds) of dry food each year and spend their summers gamboling in the remnants of snow in the mountains before heading 40 kilometers (25 miles) down winding roads back to the kennel in Barryland.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
  • Okay, so the cow immediately finds its baby, and then there is a BABY COW gamboling in a field.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026
Definition of gambol

Browse Nearby Words

poultry
pounce
pounced
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Cite this Entry

“Pounce.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pounce. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pounce

Nglish: Translation of pounce for Spanish Speakers

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