as in body blow
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as in to knock down
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sucker punch
Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Tucker had a different take, saying that Fletcher was trying to sucker punch him.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The Cowboys were down three members of an already-inept secondary in Denver, and Payton responded with an onslaught of sucker punches that never let up.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
All that changed a few months before the shooting when Jones sucker punched Branton at a bar during an argument over a girlfriend.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sucker punch
Verb
The umpire tried to break up the scuffle, only to be sucker punched from behind by Aballi, police alleged.
—Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026
Tucker had a different take, saying that Fletcher was trying to sucker punch him.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 20 Jan. 2026
The Cowboys were down three members of an already-inept secondary in Denver, and Payton responded with an onslaught of sucker punches that never let up.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 26 Oct. 2025
All that changed a few months before the shooting when Jones sucker punched Branton at a bar during an argument over a girlfriend.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sucker punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sucker punch
Noun
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The defeat was a significant body blow to Arsenal’s aspirations, but City’s 1-0 victory over Burnley can strangely be viewed in a positive light for them.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
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The image of Pages making the catch, as Kiké Hernandez absorbs a body blow, is already seared into Dodgers lore.—
Doug Padilla,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 2026
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In the past, even when Gobert has done his job to the best of anyone’s abilities, Jokic has often found answers in the form of knocking down outside jumpers or by flashing his feathery touch in the midrange.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
David Vazquez came up with the ball and attacked from left of the goal, attempting a shot that, despite Bye’s protests, hit the Timbers’ fullback’s arm.—
Ryan Finley,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
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Since being called up on April 15, Antonacci, a 23-year-old left fielder, is making a case to stay in the big leagues for a while.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In the piece, the Vicar of Christ is felled not by his oppressors but rather by a random cosmic event.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Jeff Shell, now felled from his presidency of Paramount, is living proof.—
Gary Baum,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Apr. 2026
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
Noun
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That element may now get its wish as soon as our upcoming June primary, effectively prioritizing the narrow ideology of a few hundred party loyalists over the fundamental voting rights of hundreds of thousands of independent citizens.—
Kent Thiry,
Denver Post,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The right to mock, to challenge, and yes, to offend those in power, is foundational to democracy.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Shane Gillis and Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty are decked out in their Flyers gear ahead of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Philadelphia on April 22.—
Toria Sheffield,
PEOPLE,
27 Apr. 2026
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Mamdani’s push to develop Sunnyside Yard is the boldest plan for Queens in a generation — a chance to deck over 180 acres of rail tracks and build housing, parks, and economic opportunity at scale.—
Peter Peyser,
New York Daily News,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The Rams, set up for a boom-or-bust season akin to 2021, were primed for another typical big swing with the 13th pick.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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In terms of a third-round pick, the Eagles took a fair swing at someone who could become a potential successor for Lane Johnson, if not at the very least someone who can provide depth.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sucker punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sucker%20punch. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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