double whammy

noun

Synonyms of double whammynext
: a combination of two usually adverse forces, circumstances, or effects

Examples of double whammy in a Sentence

With the cold weather and the high cost of heating fuel, homeowners were hit with a double whammy this winter.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
With 14 playoff games in the books through Tuesday, the NBA is experiencing a double whammy — both pace and points per possession are down sharply from the regular season. John Hollinger, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026 That double whammy compounds a pressure that was already four years in the making. Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026 But selling stocks in your 401(k) account and withdrawing cash packs a double whammy. Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026 For Apple, this is a double whammy. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for double whammy

Word History

First Known Use

1951, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of double whammy was in 1951

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Cite this Entry

“Double whammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20whammy. Accessed 3 May. 2026.

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