kicker

noun

kick·​er ˈki-kər How to pronounce kicker (audio)
Synonyms of kickernext
1
: one that kicks or kicks something
2
: an unexpected and surprising remark, revelation, or set of circumstances

Examples of kicker in a Sentence

The real kicker came when the chairman announced that he was quitting.
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.
Sanders, 30, was once considered one of the NFL’s better kickers. — Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 Former New Mexico kicker Luke Drzewiecki, who was in rookie minicamp with the Baltimore Ravens this spring, was in that group. — CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 Cam Achord will be relying on rookie kicker Trey Smack to help turn around Green Bay’s special teams. — Matt Schneidman, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026 However, Patterson is still competing against other unemployed kickers. — Omar Kelly august 25, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kicker

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kicker was circa 1580

Rhymes for kicker

See All Rhymes for kicker

Browse Nearby Words

kick drum
kicker
kick in
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kicker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kicker. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kicker

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for kicker

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kicker

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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