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
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
  1. draw
  2. hit
  3. pound
  4. scold
  5. sledgehammer
  6. forge
  7. knock
  8. lick
Verb
  • On Sunday, the Cubs drew four walks in the first inning and Hart was removed early.
    — Sean Hammond, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In working with clients, Fields draws inspiration from her own journey, one that includes overcoming a traumatic brain injury and years of personal exploration.
    — Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of draw
Verb
  • 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
  • Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of hit
Verb
  • The show follows Richards pounding the pavement in every shot as he is violently hunted.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 3 Apr. 2025
  • That leaves us with Tim, STILL pounding the pills and booze.
    — Dan Heching, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of pound
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of scold
Noun
  • 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
  • Its method of doing so is tantamount to hitting a fly with a sledgehammer.
    — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of sledgehammer
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of forge
Verb
  • 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
  • You could be struck by falling debris or knocked to the ground.
    — Maya Wei-Haas, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of knock
Verb
  • Marchand has crossed lines by licking players, or repeatedly punching a hockey pacifist like Vancouver’s Daniel Sedin in a final series.
    — Dave Hyde, Sun Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025
  • Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis are licking their chops.
    — Jeffrey Gedmin, National Review, 27 Mar. 2025
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 11 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on hammer

Nglish: Translation of hammer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hammer

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