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
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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
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in sledgehammer
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hammer
Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 June 2025
Loose Screws, Nails, and Other Fasteners Fasteners are a common problem, even more so than spare hammers and screwdrivers.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2025
Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
The strike, which happened as Soleimani traveled to Baghdad, prompted a swift response from Iran, which days later hammered Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq and another U.S. base in Erbil with 13 ballistic missiles.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hammer
Verb
Officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department responded to a residence on Wilson Avenue on June 19 after receiving a report of a girl being attacked with a hammer, according to an arrest slip obtained by PEOPLE.
—Chris Spargo, People.com, 23 June 2025
Loose Screws, Nails, and Other Fasteners Fasteners are a common problem, even more so than spare hammers and screwdrivers.
—Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2025
Noun
Prosecutors hammered home their case in closing arguments Thursday.
—Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2025
The strike, which happened as Soleimani traveled to Baghdad, prompted a swift response from Iran, which days later hammered Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq and another U.S. base in Erbil with 13 ballistic missiles.
—Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hammer
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hammer
Verb
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However, until President Trump drew a line in the sand and demanded that NATO members increase their spending — or else — those other countries continued to freeride.—
Michelle Flowers,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 July 2025
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South Korea's older workers are facing steep wage cuts and insecure work conditions simply for staying on the job past a certain age—a reality drawing criticism from rights groups.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
Verb
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The Padres took a 5-4 lead in the seventh inning when Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a one-out single, moved to third on a single by Luis Arraez and scored on a sacrifice fly by Machado.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 July 2025
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While hitting 350 homers is a feat in itself, Judge reached the mark more quickly than former slugger Mark McGwire.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Hole-in-the-Wall, a unique rock formation that has a large arch carved through it by the relentless pounding of the ocean.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
7 July 2025
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For the first time since the storms began pounding Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing.—
Brit Morse,
Fortune,
7 July 2025
Verb
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Officials want Indianapolis parents to take responsibility for their children Speaking at a news conference over the weekend, Bailey scolded parents for allowing their children out at night unsupervised.—
Matthew Cupelli,
IndyStar,
7 July 2025
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Trump has publicly scolded Massie for his opposition.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
1 July 2025
Noun
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Michelle has a chip on her shoulder and takes more of a dogged, sledgehammer approach.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2025
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The mythical 19th-century figure who helped install railroad tracks by way of his sledgehammer skills, Henry has been saluted in literature (Colson Whitehead’s John Henry Days), dance (part of a program by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater), and especially music.—
David Browne,
Rolling Stone,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Those helming businesses are required to make a crucial call about staying the course amid uncertainty or forging a brave, new path.—
Naazneen Karmali,
Forbes.com,
4 July 2025
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Combs founded Bad Boy Records in 1993 and forged a roster of stars that jettisoned hip-hop into the mainstream, including the late Notorious B.I.G., Mase, Faith Evans and the groups 112 and Total, among others.—
Curtis Bunn,
NBC news,
3 July 2025
Verb
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On Saturday, the New York Yankees slugger knocked a ball over the outfield wall to reach the milestone.—
Chantz Martin,
FOXNews.com,
13 July 2025
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Less than a month later, Monson knocked nearly 10 seconds off the American record at 10,000 meters, running 30:03.82 at The Ten, a Sound Running distance carnival in San Juan Capistrano.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
13 July 2025
Verb
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The Boston Celtics are still licking their wounds following the heartbreaking end to the 2024-25 NBA season.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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And Lil Wayne agrees by licking my face, which is part of the job description for companion dogs.—
Marla Jo Fisher,
Oc Register,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hammer.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hammer. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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