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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
as in sledgehammer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hammer
David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
His father was intensely parsimonious as well, and once tried to build a front fence by hammering bookshelves together.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
Still, Sheridan climbs to the top rope again and drops another hammer shot.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hammer
Verb
Happy hunting—and hammering—to those searching for a bottle.
—David Thomas Tao, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025
His father was intensely parsimonious as well, and once tried to build a front fence by hammering bookshelves together.
—Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2025
Noun
As floodwaters from the Swannanoa River rose to stomach level inside their house on Sept. 27, Mills’ 24-year-old son hacked his way through the attic ceiling with a chef’s knife and a hammer so the family could get atop the roof.
—Ames Alexander, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
Still, Sheridan climbs to the top rope again and drops another hammer shot.
—Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hammer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hammer
Verb
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Valdés drew this art from antique maps and navigational diagrams from the Hispanic Society of America and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.—
Robin Raven,
Forbes.com,
7 Apr. 2025
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But the dress codes drew criticism as being racist and discriminatory, and one venue eventually reversed its actions after a meeting with Latino advocates.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Denzel Aberdeen hit the second of two free throws after Houston fouled, giving the Cougars one last chance to win or tie the game with 19 seconds to go.—
Kevin Dotson,
CNN Money,
8 Apr. 2025
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In the Season 5 finale, June was deliberately hit and run over by a car bearing the Gilead symbol.—
Abigail Lee,
Variety,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The show follows Richards pounding the pavement in every shot as he is violently hunted.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
3 Apr. 2025
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That leaves us with Tim, STILL pounding the pills and booze.—
Dan Heching,
CNN Money,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Back in the fortress, the Man of Steel scolds Krypto for wrecking the joint while he was gone.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2025
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After the kid was saved, Beltran scolded the resident, reminding her not to bring her personal life into the ER — or her attending’s.—
Charlie Mason,
TVLine,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Yet simply revoking these programs is another example of Trump reacting to complicated issues with a sledgehammer approach.—
ORLANDO SENTINEL AND MIAMI HERALD EDITORIAL BOARDS,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2025
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Its method of doing so is tantamount to hitting a fly with a sledgehammer.—
Ivan Pereira,
ABC News,
25 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These days, the Hall of Famer is forging a new, post-football path. ➤ Barry Sanders: Lions turnaround has been 'miraculous': Speaking of 1990s pro football icons, Sanders' electrifying runs filled highlight reels.—
Jim Reineking,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
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And each chose to forge an entirely new path forward, one that would eventually lead to industry disruption and community transformation.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The American League East, almost always led in spending by the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, now has another club knocking at the vault door.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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You could be struck by falling debris or knocked to the ground.—
Maya Wei-Haas,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The race is being widely viewed as a must-win for Democrats who at the national level are still licking their 2024 election wounds, as well as a potential referendum on Trump and Musk.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2025
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Cora appears to enjoy the routine and happily lets the cat lick at the tufts of blonde hair on her head.—
Kelli Bender,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hammer. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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