body blow

noun

Definition of body blownext
as in sucker punch

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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 body blow Jaxson Hayes delivered the final body blow, throwing down an Eastbay dunk in transition after stealing the ball from Josh Giddey to put the Lakers up by 14 with just under three minutes remaining. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026 The recent termination of federal tax credits for zero-emission vehicles delivered a body blow to end-of-the-year sales across California. — Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2026 Most of the industry seems to view the measure as a body blow that will hurt tech companies’ ability to hire the best talent. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2025 But the sixth, after the break in Nashville, knocked LAFC out of the tournament with what felt like a body blow from ES Tunis. — Josh Gross, Daily News, 29 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for body blow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for body blow
  1. left
  2. rabbit punch
  3. right
  4. knee
  5. swing
  6. kick
  7. roundhouse
  8. shiver
Noun
  • In recent windows, Arteta and Arsenal have been open to trading Martinelli to refresh their options on the left.
    — James McNicholas, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Elvis Alvarado replaced Harris and got Isaac Collins to line out before Witt blooped a single into left for the Royals' sixth walk-off win of the season.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of left
Noun
  • Before your boss could match dance steps to the music, his opponent was already kicking him in the groin and throwing rabbit punches.
    — Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 2 July 2024
Definition of rabbit punch
Noun
  • Much like the universal right to access fresh—and delicious—food.
    — Paul Jebara, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Once confined to biotech labs and the disposable income of Silicon Valley billionaires, longevity is no longer a tech bro hobby and has become a consumer aspiration in its own right.
    — Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of right
Noun
  • Floyd, who was Black, died on May 25, 2020, after Chauvin, who is White, used his knee to pin Floyd's neck to the ground for nine and a half minutes.
    — Riley Moser, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • McGregor, who became a part-owner of BKFC in April 2024, recently sustained a knee injury during his UFC 329 fight in July, with his return to the Octagon yet to be scheduled.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of knee
Noun
  • With help from within, advice from top prospect Kevin McGonigle in the Arizona Fall League and a return to his collegiate swing and approach, King thrived in his early-season stint with Double-A Harrisburg.
    — Spencer Nusbaum, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • And yet, there the fans were, rally caps on, ready to believe in another mighty comeback—to read heroism into a story that could also be told, perhaps more accurately, in terms of swing decisions and contact points.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of swing
Noun
  • Once known for his fierce striking, power leg kicks, wheel kicks and punches.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Kamaru Usman racked up 15 straight wins before getting knocked out by a stunning last-minute head kick by Leon Edwards in 2022.
    — Mark Puleo, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of kick
Noun
  • McGregor’s first fight in five years lasted only 1 minute, 9 seconds because of a knee injury sustained while attempting an opening roundhouse kick on Saturday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • In the 2000s, the museum began converting a historic roundhouse that was once used as a horse stable into its current incarnation as an event and exhibition space.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Definition of roundhouse
Noun
  • Speaking to Julia Cunningham on her eponymous podcast, Adams says the moment when Cecile realizes her half-sister is the serial killer (while her mom was a plain ol’ one-off manslaughterer) still gives her the shivers.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 22 July 2026
  • Judith claims to be a forensic accountant, but is actually a career assassin whose very name sends shivers of fear through her enemies and ones of excitement through her admirers.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 14 July 2026
Definition of shiver

Browse Nearby Words

body bags
body blow
body blows
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Cite this Entry

“Body blow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/body%20blow. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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