bout

noun

ˈbau̇t How to pronounce bout (audio)
Definition of boutnext
1
as in tournament
a competitive encounter between individuals or groups carried on for amusement, exercise, or in pursuit of a prize undoubtedly the team's best wrestler, he hasn't lost a bout yet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in case
a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder she's currently suffering from a bout of the flu

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 bout While at her home, Tate is accused of putting his arm around her neck and placing her in a chokehold without her consent, penetrating her between bouts of unconsciousness over several hours. — Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 July 2026 Advertisement Use your shirt tail Steury will happily look a little strange to save herself a bout with a germ. — Angela Haupt, Time, 27 July 2026 It is expected that Ripley will face the winner of this bout in a title unification match in the near future, whenever she is cleared to wrestle. — Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 After Dash's 2016 birth, MacPherson experienced an extreme bout of postpartum anxiety and depression. — Jay Stahl, USA Today, 25 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bout
  1. tournament
  2. case
  3. competition
  4. attack
  5. event
  6. seizure
  7. game
  8. spell
Noun
  • Zidane will be counted on to lift the organization’s spirits after the national team, which was widely regarded as one of the favorites to win the title in North America, was bounced from the tournament by eventual winner Spain in the semifinals.
    — Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
  • Most useful is their Camp at Sea program which is open every day and offers fun games, outdoor activities, video game tournaments, and slumber parties for children ages 3-17.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Definition of tournament
Noun
  • Kappa Alpha Psi’s national governing documents explicitly prohibit hazing, and chapters have faced suspensions in prior cases, including a Miami University in Ohio chapter suspended through 2040 in 2025.
    — David Smiley, Miami Herald, 28 July 2026
  • Prolactin is another pituitary hormone, and elevated levels can point to a pituitary disorder or, in some cases, a tumor.
    — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
Definition of case
Noun
  • This strategic reduction highlights growing competition from open-weight models, compelling proprietary AI providers to lower costs.
    — Gerui Wang, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Right now, all eyes are on the Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition.
    — Ren Clayton, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of competition
Noun
  • While a ground operation would be complex, the ISIS report pointed out several possible avenues for attack.
    — Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
  • That case focused mostly on the details of the knife attack itself; the federal one delves more into questions of motive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 July 2026
Definition of attack
Noun
  • Crime has been down considerably across the city this year, despite several high-profile events occurring in recent months.
    — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 30 July 2026
  • And the other is a wealthier bride shopping for diverse silhouettes for her multiple events, her entire wardrobe customized by the country’s top designers.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
Definition of event
Noun
  • Deaunda, 52, was wary at first, especially after witnessing one of his seizures firsthand.
    — Richard Nieva, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
  • The operation resulted in the seizure of 127,000 Bitcoin, worth over $8 billion as of July.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of seizure
Noun
  • Of the 26-year-old catcher’s 31 home runs entering Tuesday’s game, 18 have come away from Denver.
    — Sam Blum, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Demand in South Florida on game days and the nights preceding them totaled 297K nights, up 12% year over year.
    — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Definition of game
Noun
  • Before joining Newcastle, Howe coached Bournemouth over two spells, either side of a season with Burnley.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • France became the first World Cup winner to then also win the Euros during this incredible two-year spell.
    — Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of spell

Browse Nearby Words

bourns
bout
boutique
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Cite this Entry

“Bout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bout. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on bout

Nglish: Translation of bout for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bout

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