pugilist

noun

ˈpyü-jə-list How to pronounce pugilist (audio)
Definition of pugilistnext
as in boxer
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 pugilist Meanwhile, heavyweight Ross Johnston has been more than a pugilist for the Ducks, posting career highs in assists and points before the halfway mark of the campaign. — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Dec. 2025 An amateur pugilist who Jean-Luc collaborated with previously, before the guy joined the army and was stationed in Algeria, is recruited to star in it. — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025 The Boricua pugilist rode a prolonged winning streak heading into his match with Mexican fighter Salvador Sánchez in August 1981. — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2026 The true-life sports biopic unleashes Leo as Alice, the loud, over-the-top matriarch of a large Boston family and manager mom to Micky Ward, a championship boxing contender trained by his drug-addict pugilist half-brother Dicky. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pugilist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilist
  1. boxer
  2. fighter
Noun
  • Day-Lewis immersed himself in the sport for more than two years, going 350 rounds with his trainer, former Irish professional boxer Barry McGuigan.
    — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • Well-built for a man of 60, with a scar across his upper abdomen, Weakfall was wearing nothing but royal blue boxer-briefs.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Definition of boxer
Noun
  • Unfortunately, some of Ukraine’s military leaders—who were raised under Soviet doctrine—are doing just this, using available fighter aircraft as simply airborne artillery.
    — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Red wavelengths are typically marketed for anti-aging benefits, while blue is positioned as an acne fighter.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of fighter

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pugilist
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Cite this Entry

“Pugilist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilist. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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