take-no-prisoners

adjective

ˈtāk-ˈnō-ˈpriz-(ə-)nərz How to pronounce take-no-prisoners (audio)
Definition of take-no-prisonersnext
as in ruthless
having or showing a lack of sympathy or tender feelings a theater critic with a take-no-prisoners approach to reviewing Broadway's latest offerings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 take-no-prisoners Lemieux played a total of 1,215 games in the NHL, and his statistics were legion, as was his take-no-prisoners reputation. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 28 May 2026 His take-no-prisoners approach played well. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 12 May 2026 Chicago is known for its hard-nosed politics and take-no-prisoners attitude. — Glenn Davis, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026 Her take-no-prisoners portrayal of Lois quickly became a defining career highlight. — Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for take-no-prisoners
Recent Examples of Synonyms for take-no-prisoners
  1. ruthless
  2. merciless
Adjective
  • Today, it is widely known that coal miners of the 19th and early 20th centuries experienced ruthless exploitation and hazardous working conditions.
    — Marcus Librizzi, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Involuntary bumping is more ruthless, denying boarding to passengers in a joyless game of musical plane seats.
    — Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of ruthless
Adjective
  • It would be seen as a work of merciless autofiction in the vein of Karl Ove Knausgaard, and it would be discussed, as his books are, as aggressive, antisocial, and spiteful.
    — B. D. McClay, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
  • In the story, Ria teams up with her foster mother and their fellow punks to resist a merciless developer intent on tearing down their building.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of merciless

Browse Nearby Words

taken one's time
take-no-prisoners
taken out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Take-no-prisoners.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/take-no-prisoners. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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