hammer 1 of 2

verb

Definition of hammernext
1
as in to draw
to shape with a hammer medieval artisans hammered brass into various bowls and trays, which they then embossed with elaborate designs

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2
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner hammer a nail hammered the ball for a home run

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3
as in to pound
to strike repeatedly tried hammering the door to wake them up the crops were hammered with hail

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4
as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings the critics have long been hammering the stage actress for resorting to the same mixed bag of mannerisms over and over

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hammer

2 of 2

noun

as in sledgehammer

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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 hammer
Verb
That’s because New Mexico has been hammered by persistent drought, and large swaths of the Rio Grande have dried up in the central part of the state. — Will Weissert, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026 That's because New Mexico has been hammered by persistent drought, and large swaths of the Rio Grande have dried up in the central part of the state. — ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
Noun
Newcastle looked to be getting all three points in Matthias Jaissle’s first Premier League game in charge until a late foul by Lewis Hall allowed Szoboszlai to hammer home. — Chris Waugh, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The pants feature more elevated details like deep front pockets and a hammer loop. — Melony Forcier, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hammer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hammer
  1. draw
  2. hit
  3. pound
  4. scold
  5. sledgehammer
  6. forge
  7. knock
  8. lick
Verb
  • The InnoAsia Startup Demo Jam sits at the center of the first track, with nine companies, drawn from the open call and international partner recommendations, pitching AI, virtual production and digital-asset technologies to investors and buyers.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The costume and the posture of the model in the photo drew comparisons online to images of the racist theatrical character Jim Crow, a staple in blackface minstrel shows, which dehumanized Black people.
    — Star Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of draw
Verb
  • Dramatic footage shows a torrent of water hitting at the Nepal-China border.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Parton earned dozens of top 10 country hits, and her professional ambitions grew along with her career.
    — Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • Sarajevans still remember his commands to the Serb gunmen pounding the Bosnian capital in early 1992.
    — Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Deadly landslides struck Southern and Central California, wiping out hillside homes, and powerful waves pounded the state’s shoreline.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of pound
Verb
  • Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, during testing, the handheld triggered nostalgic memories of playing Final Fantasy Legend and Mario Land 2 on long car rides to my grandparents' house, but without the eye strain and being scolded for playing in the dark as the sun set.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of scold
Noun
  • However, according to the report, violence is increasing in museum thefts, with thieves using instruments such as dynamite, guns, and sledgehammers to gain access to treasures and deter employees from interfering.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 24 Aug. 2026
  • But because the perpetrators smashed through the business’ front window, either with a vehicle or sledgehammer, that damage alone cost about $1,000 each time, Mullen said.
    — Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of sledgehammer
Verb
  • However, City have now forged ahead after agreeing a package worth £65million for the 26-year-old.
    — The Athletic UK Staff, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The customer favorite is forged from iron, polypropylene, and wood, and provides a haven from wind, rain, and sun.
    — Maria Conti, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of forge
Verb
  • But their rookie linebacker extended his arms, threw out a hand and knocked the ball free from London’s grasp.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • When the group decided to move the party to a house nearby, Pysher walked there alone and mistakenly knocked on the wrong door.
    — Tom Hanson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of knock
Verb
  • That glib self-confidence is present in McNamara, who licks the doughnut glaze off his fingers before offering his hand to the female detective questioning the one living Jason.
    — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • One act featured two young women sitting on the stage and licking orange Popsicles (yes, that was the whole act).
    — Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of lick

Phrases Containing hammer

Browse Nearby Words

hammed
hammer
hammer-and-tongs
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Cite this Entry

“Hammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hammer. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hammer

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hammer

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