as in punch
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
dealt his opponent a haymaker that sent him reeling across the boxing ring
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of haymaker
The Warriors led by as many as six in the fourth quarter, but could not land the haymaker as the springy Spurs threw counterpunch after counterpunch until late.
—
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2025
These teams are trading haymakers.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025
Against a Packers team that some have pinned as NFC favorites, the Dallas offense hung with Green Bay in a haymaker fight that had both arms being raised at the conclusion.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
The Miami Dolphins certainly took a haymaker to the face on Wednesday courtesy of the Detroit Lions.
—Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for haymaker
Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 13 Nov. 2025
These teams are trading haymakers.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 22 Oct. 2025
Against a Packers team that some have pinned as NFC favorites, the Dallas offense hung with Green Bay in a haymaker fight that had both arms being raised at the conclusion.
—Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
The Miami Dolphins certainly took a haymaker to the face on Wednesday courtesy of the Detroit Lions.
—Miami Herald, 14 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for haymaker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haymaker
Noun
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Those two factors, coupled with the offensive punch that Lleyton Weaver and BJ Knowlton provided, had the Hurricane within striking distance the entire game.—
Erick Taylor,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
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The Horns have some talent, but have been a sieve on defense over the last few games, including a gut punch of a 101-98 overtime loss at home to Mississippi State in the conference opener.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Both teams scored 14 points in that final period, with Matthew Stafford’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson the killing blow with 38 seconds left.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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This latest disaster will be framed by some as another blow to Minnesota's reputation.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
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And then, when Stafford and Rodgers and the Titans said no thanks, Schoen landed with a thud on … Russell Wilson.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Panthers’ run game ended the 2025 regular season with a thud.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Edmundson, who had a goal disallowed earlier, found a loose puck and cranked a slap shot.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
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The friendship developed during rehearsals, and then a confrontation in the film between their characters culminated in a slap.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Twitchy enough to line up off the edge or run with a tight end in the slot, Fisher (6-1, 231) is a bit small but brings enough thump to be the type of linebacker who never has to leave the field.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
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Though ashen, the convex steel form still resonates to the rhythmic thump of her hands.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Wipe in circular motions with a lint-free microfiber cloth to loosen grime, then finish with long, horizontal swipes.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
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The blue swipe cupping each tip adds the perfect finishing touch.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The actor would be on the hit show for six seasons before his character tragically died from wounds sustained in a plane crash.—
Stephanie Sengwe,
PEOPLE,
9 Nov. 2025
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Following an energetic performance of some of the hip hop trio’s greatest hits, Cheryl James, known by her stage name Salt, told the crowd that the women were currently in a battle for ownership of their music.—
Nicole Fell,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
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That’s no knock on Calva, who does as good a job with the role as anyone could have.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
9 Jan. 2026
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Bethell has already faced more balls in this single innings than Ben Duckett has confronted through the entire series, and eclipsed the total runs scored by Ollie Pope, the man preferred ahead of him until Melbourne, across three matches in this knock alone.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Haymaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haymaker. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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