pugilist

noun

ˈpyü-jə-list How to pronounce pugilist (audio)
Definition of pugilistnext
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

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 pugilist 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 Meanwhile, heavyweight Ross Johnston has been more than a pugilist for the Ducks, posting career highs in assists and points before the halfway mark of the campaign. — Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 21 Dec. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for pugilist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pugilist
  1. boxer
  2. fighter
Noun
  • Day-Lewis immersed himself in the sport for more than two years, going 350 rounds with his trainer, former Irish professional boxer Barry McGuigan.
    — Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 30 June 2026
  • Well-built for a man of 60, with a scar across his upper abdomen, Weakfall was wearing nothing but royal blue boxer-briefs.
    — Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026
Definition of boxer
Noun
  • Unfortunately, some of Ukraine’s military leaders—who were raised under Soviet doctrine—are doing just this, using available fighter aircraft as simply airborne artillery.
    — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Red wavelengths are typically marketed for anti-aging benefits, while blue is positioned as an acne fighter.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2026
Definition of fighter

Browse Nearby Words

pug
pugilist
pugilists
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Cite this Entry

“Pugilist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pugilist. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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