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
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Recent Examples of pugilist
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
Why Exit Planning Can’t Wait Returning to our boxing metaphor, a big plot point of Rocky IV centers on the pugilist’s unease with complacency.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
She is next slated to appear in the boxing drama Christy, based on the life of real professional pugilist Christy Martin.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
The fitness center even has a full-size boxing ring where a champion pugilist offers private lessons.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pugilist
David Fear, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Why Exit Planning Can’t Wait Returning to our boxing metaphor, a big plot point of Rocky IV centers on the pugilist’s unease with complacency.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
She is next slated to appear in the boxing drama Christy, based on the life of real professional pugilist Christy Martin.
—Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 14 Aug. 2025
The fitness center even has a full-size boxing ring where a champion pugilist offers private lessons.
—Caitlin Gunther, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pugilist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilist
Noun
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The event was organized by MVP, co-owned by influencer and boxer Jake Paul and businessman Nakisa Bridarian.—
Eduard Cauich,
Los Angeles Times,
17 May 2026
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While battling postpartum depression and addiction, Panettiere gave full custody of daughter, Kaya, to her father, Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
13 May 2026
Noun
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Booker’s main challenger is Amy McGrath, a former fighter pilot who was the Democratic nominee in the 2020 Senate race against McConnell.—
The New Yorker,
New Yorker,
19 May 2026
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This, together with a ruling by judges, means the court can look at potential war crimes carried out by Hamas fighters in Israel and by Israelis in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pugilist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilist. Accessed 23 May. 2026.
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