ricochet

verb

Definition of ricochetnext
as in to bounce
to strike and fly off at an angle the ball ricocheted off the fielder's glove and went over the fence for a home run

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 ricochet Varland's first pitch to Corey Seager bounced in front of the plate and ricocheted off Alejandro Kirk's mitt. — CBS News, 28 June 2026 Jordan nearly equalized two minutes later when Olwan’s header ricocheted off the crossbar following a corner kick. — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 17 June 2026 Messi saw his next chance in the 31st minute after the ball ricocheted toward him, but his shot was blocked by an Austrian defender with goalie Alexander Schlager out of position. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026 The blasts of noise and oregano at Kafeneion, a restaurant above a wine bar in a building across from the city’s Victorian-era Parliament House, ricocheted my brain to my one trip to Athens a dozen years earlier. — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for ricochet
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ricochet
  1. bounce
  2. rebound
Verb
  • For pitchers bouncing between organizations, one rough outing can change the trajectory of an entire season, and that seems to have been the case with former Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Austin Voth.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Messi, while still a brilliant creator and ruthless in the final third, doesn’t have the legs to bounce on the break.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of bounce
Verb
  • Following a year of historically weak hiring in 2025, hiring rebounded this spring.
    — Rachel Barber, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Despite the attacks, ship traffic in the strait continued to rebound.
    — Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of rebound

Browse Nearby Words

rickshaws
ricochet
ricocheted
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on ricochet

Nglish: Translation of ricochet for Spanish Speakers

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