DOUBLE WHAMMY Synonyms: 32 Similar and Opposite Words

double whammy

noun

Definition of double whammy

as in blow

informal a situation that is bad in two different ways; a situation in which two bad conditions exist at the same time or two bad things happen one after the other With the cold weather and the high cost of heating fuel, homeowners were hit with a double whammy this winter.

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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 double whammy Radio got hit with a double whammy of bad news last week, affecting both AM and FM bands. — Richard Wagoner, Daily News, 10 Aug. 2026 But a renter has probably absorbed years of increases, while new homebuyers face the double whammy of steep prices and high borrowing costs. — Brandy Hadley, Fortune, 31 July 2026 The common denominator is an allergy to red meat, but some people get hit with the double whammy of meat and dairy. — Andy Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2026 Standardized options included a double whammy of increasing premiums and deductibles or other patient cost-sharing. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for double whammy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for double whammy

Noun

Ditka and Ryan had an often adversarial relationship, with the two nearly coming to blows during halftime of the team's only 1985 season loss, to the Miami Dolphins.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Oct. 2026
For many, that would have been a career-ending blow, but not for him.

— Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of blow

Noun

After the storms, Pritzker issued a state disaster proclamation that made additional state resources available for response and recovery, his office said.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct. 2026
Exhibitors include first responder agencies and non-governmental organizations that showcase new technologies, offer recruitment opportunities, and demonstrate local preparedness and disaster response capabilities.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of disaster

Noun

An institution built explicitly to neutralize biological catastrophes is now at the center of one.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
With climate change making natural disasters far more frequent, some consumers are turning to smaller off-grid electric networks to generate power in the event of a catastrophe.

— Justin Klawans, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of catastrophe

Noun

His story does not add up; there is even more weirdness among extended family, and the tragedies pile up.

— Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026
History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce — or in this case, as an uncanny sort of San Francisco camp.

— David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of tragedy

Browse Nearby Words

double whammies

double whammy

double-wide

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Style

“Double whammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20whammy. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of double whammy

noun

Example Sentences

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