kicker

noun

Definition of kickernext
1
as in surprise

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in quibbler

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 kicker Second-year kicker Ryan Fitzgerald recorded a career-high four made field goals on Sunday. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 27 Sep. 2026 And on special teams, kicker Riley Patterson, who had missed a field goal attempt in each of the first two games, was a perfect 1 for 1 Sunday. — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 27 Sep. 2026 Normally reliable kicker Eddy Pineiro missed two extra points, and San Francisco also had a punt deflect off the foot of Siran Neal, giving Arizona the ball back and leading to a touchdown that cut the lead to 23-20 early in the fourth quarter. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 27 Sep. 2026 Special teams was a plus Despite missing his first field goal, a 52-yarder, kicker Blake Craig hit his next attempt, a 35-yard field goal to begin the scoring for Missouri. — Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kicker
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kicker
  1. surprise
  2. nitpicker
  3. kick
  4. crock
  5. revelation
  6. objector
  7. disclosure
  8. pessimist
Noun
  • To [React with exaggerated surprise] is to DO A DOUBLE TAKE — as in, to take out double letters (not consecutive ones, mind you).
    — Sam Corbin, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Buckhead is far from a tranquil neighborhood, so this little oasis is a welcome surprise.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of surprise
Noun
  • Alas, nitpickers can point to some moves in which Atlanta went backward.
    — John Hollinger, New York Times, 1 May 2026
  • Maybe that’s why, compared with some other kinds of nitpickers, pop critics can seem especially extraneous.
    — Kelefa Sanneh, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
Definition of nitpicker
Noun
  • There’s always been rage in Team Dresch’s music, but the main emotion that comes across is communal joy — that’s part of the kick of their excellent new album Furthermore.
    — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Jordan Davis of the Eagles leaped and blocked the kick, scooped the ball and returned it 61 yards for a touchdown that sent the Rams to a 33-26 defeat.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of kick
Noun
  • These crocks and trays can be kept out on the counter for easy access while finishing off a sizzling steak in the skillet or stored in the fridge for firmer sticks.
    — Clara Hillis, Architectural Digest, 18 Aug. 2026
  • What To Store On Your Counter Utensil Crock Keep a utensil crock next to your cooktop for making meal prep a breeze.
    — Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 31 July 2026
Definition of crock
Noun
  • The revelations add pressure on an intelligence establishment trying to remake itself after decades, and complicate Berlin’s efforts to counter Russia’s hybrid war, as lawmakers debate expanding the BND’s powers.
    — Morgan Chalfant, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
  • But the real revelation was the bathroom, with its marble walls, radiant penny-tile flooring, double sinks, Toto toilet, heated towel rack, and freestanding soaking tub.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of revelation
Noun
  • The process involves a series of hearings in which election judges review signatures one-by-one, and typically requires the objector and the candidate to hire an attorney.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2026
  • After a two-year National Service stint as a hospital orderly (thanks to his own conscientious-objector status), Hockney landed at the Royal College of Art, in London, in the fall of 1959.
    — Mark Rozzo, Vanity Fair, 12 June 2026
Definition of objector
Noun
  • These firms also passed a due diligence check, including any regulatory disclosures.
    — Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,Kelli Grant, CFP®, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
  • The court, in an opinion authored by Judge Lance Neff, said the report went beyond the grand jury’s authority and that its disclosure violated confidentiality rules.
    — Romy Ellenbogen Herald, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of disclosure
Noun
  • Being the unintentional voice of political pessimism can make a person something of a pessimist.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026
  • My favourite part of this exercise is seeing the distribution of optimists and pessimists.
    — Janson Duench, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of pessimist

Browse Nearby Words

kicked upstairs
kicker
kickers
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kicker.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kicker. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on kicker

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kicker

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of inscrutable

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

The Words of the Week - Oct. 9

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
a cup of tea and a golf ball on tee side by side
Quiz: Sounds Like... Choose the word that sounds like it fits the clue...
See All