haymaker

noun

ˈhā-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce haymaker (audio)
Definition of haymakernext
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

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 haymaker If Brunson is a knockout puncher, leaving opponents on the mat with devastating haymakers that turn the lights out, Anunoby specializes in body blows. — James L. Edwards Iii, New York Times, 28 May 2026 The challenge this season will be avoiding a haymaker from September and October. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 15 May 2026 As both fighters were bloodied, Strickland said that Chimaev pointed to the mat near the end of the fifth round, which is a sign to fighters to start throwing haymakers. — Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026 Because similar efforts to the one put forth Wednesday will only yield similar results against this young, hungry Spurs team that responded to Minnesota’s Game 1 jab with a haymaker. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for haymaker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for haymaker
  1. punch
  2. blow
  3. thud
  4. slap
  5. thump
  6. swipe
  7. hit
  8. knock
Noun
  • Positioning decides the outcome before the first exchange, and the punches only confirm it.
    — Serhii Zakharov, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Sal knows how to properly spark a Zippo, seduce women, shuck oysters, throw a punch, and other Badass Masshole 101 lessons.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of punch
Noun
  • The injury to Tunsil, 32, is a major blow to the Commanders’ hopes of a bounce-back season in 2026.
    — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Rodri's move to Barcelona is a significant blow for Madrid, who have struggled for midfield control since Kroos and Modric departed, and have been trophyless while Barcelona dominated domestically.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of blow
Noun
  • The box lands with a loud thud in the video before the driver snaps the photo and leaves without placing the package at the front door.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • The White House’s latest dustup with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) landed with a thud Thursday among his GOP colleagues.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2026
Definition of thud
Noun
  • After the leap and slap, Yan stood straight up with his feet together and lifted both arms over his head.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Nick Mitchell is a slap-hitting outfielder who doesn’t chase or whiff much but has no power and puts the ball on the ground a lot.
    — Keith Law, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of slap
Noun
  • The lower-vocal harmony struggles to stand out any time the deeper bass thumps.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Ramirez was Miami’s primary catcher as a rookie last season and can add some thump to Miami’s lineup, but his work defensively remains underwhelming.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of thump
Noun
  • Others—my preference—add a swipe of Dijon and a smattering of sliced cornichons, for a kick of spice and jolt of acidity.
    — Emma Laperruque, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Female excellence only counts when the politics align Wilder’s swipe at Gaines is the easiest place to begin because whether Gaines was a good swimmer isn’t a matter of political opinion.
    — Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of swipe
Noun
  • Paul Sewald came in to record the final out after Kevin Ginkel allowed two hits and two walks.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Lewis extended his hit streak to a career-high 10 games, the longest such streak by a Twin is season, and has reached base safely in a career-long 16 straight.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of hit
Noun
  • This buffering is especially useful when the unit is wall-mounted and exposed to occasional knocks or vibration.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026
  • This went very nicely until one night there’s a knock at the door.
    — Chris Stanton, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of knock

Browse Nearby Words

haylofts
haymaker
haymakers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Haymaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/haymaker. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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