as in to lick
to strike repeatedly
pummeled the mugger with her fists until help arrived
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Recent Examples of pummel
Returning from Orlando, however, where the Jayhawks pummeled the Knights 99-48 Sunday afternoon, has proven to be more challenging.
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Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025
The concern is borne out of the weather extremes that have whipsawed California in recent years: Punishing heat and dry conditions extending well into the fall, followed by intense rain like the series of atmospheric river systems that pummeled the state in November.
—Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025
Israeli forces in response have pummeled Lebanon, severely weakening Hezbollah, forcing the group to make concessions.
—Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 29 Dec. 2024
Ecuador has been pummeled by an extraordinary drought, exacerbated by global warming, that has engulfed much of South America, drying rivers and reservoirs and putting the country’s power grid on the brink of collapse.
—José María León Cabrera, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pummel 
Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 6 Jan. 2025
The concern is borne out of the weather extremes that have whipsawed California in recent years: Punishing heat and dry conditions extending well into the fall, followed by intense rain like the series of atmospheric river systems that pummeled the state in November.
—Darrell Smith, Sacramento Bee, 2 Jan. 2025
Israeli forces in response have pummeled Lebanon, severely weakening Hezbollah, forcing the group to make concessions.
—Danielle Wallace, Fox News, 29 Dec. 2024
Ecuador has been pummeled by an extraordinary drought, exacerbated by global warming, that has engulfed much of South America, drying rivers and reservoirs and putting the country’s power grid on the brink of collapse.
—José María León Cabrera, New York Times, 30 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pummel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pummel
Verb
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If pets do go outside, Aitken recommended wiping their paws with a wet towel or baby wipes to ensure any soot is removed, to stop them from licking it off.John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
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Wipe paws off after walking outdoors with a wet washcloth or baby wipes to prevent pets from licking soot off of their feet after coming inside.Geoffrey Eisler, ABC News, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
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At the time, wolves were still considered predatory varmints to be shot from airplanes, trapped and snared for $100 bounty and whatever hides would bring.Al Wolter, Outdoor Life, 10 Jan. 2025
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Set in a swanky apartment hidden above a cobblestone street, this intimate cooking class teaches you both the simplicity and complexity of Italian pasta.Anna Haines, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Heavy snow pounded the district, with totals of 5-9 inches and isolated areas receiving up to 12 inches.Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
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Allar has pounded the table time and time again for his receivers.Audrey Snyder, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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The Rams were four days removed from defeating the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Vikings were four days removed from a 31-29 loss to the Lions, who have left opponents beat up throughout the season.Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 7 Jan. 2025
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Utah’s thriving in Big 12 The Utes have made a triumphant entrance into the Big 12, winning two games against fellow Pac-12 migrants Arizona State and Arizona and then going into Ames, Iowa, and beating Iowa State in a back-and-forth affair.Sabreena Merchant, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Trump himself has lashed out at Newsom a number of times over the issue and has ignored a request from the governor to visit the area.Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
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Spencer is appropriately freaked out and lashing out at just about everyone, though Bobby does offer him a potential suspect in Rafael Campos, the head of the Los Tigres cartel who is currently in prison thanks in part to Captain Spencer and Judge Powell.Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Elle was also seen whipping her hands in a circle to the music during the awards ceremony.Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
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That led to an argument, and Little allegedly whipped out a knife, stabbing the victim twice in the chest, police said.Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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No event might be as exaggerated in defining Philadelphia sports fans’ gritty identity than when Eagles fans pelted Santa Claus with snowballs at Franklin Field on Dec. 15, 1968.Timothy J. Brown, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025
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Other videos showed several vehicles shaking violently as they were pelted with debris, with roadsides strewn with rubbles and fallen trees.Mithil Aggarwal, NBC News, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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With President-elect Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20, the stakes for Chinese exports are likely to be higher not just into the U.S., but into countries like Mexico, which is slapping tariffs of its own on goods like textiles.Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 14 Jan. 2025
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Canadian officials say that if Trump follows through with his threat of punishing tariffs, Canada would consider slapping retaliatory tariffs on American orange juice, toilets and some steel products.Jim Morris, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Pummel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pummel. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
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