Synonyms for

Hammer

Verb / ˈhæmɜ: / Another word for hammer — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a tool with a heavy metal head mounted at right angles at the end of a handle, used for jobs such as breaking things apart or driving in nails

Synonyms & similar words

pounding malleus pound mallet cock forge powerhammer hammering mallet sledgehammer mace gavel mattock crowbar pounder beetle pestle rammer stamp piston punch banger bludgeon maul sapper

Synonyms by register

Formal

strike impact affect

Informal

bash whack pound slug

Literary

mallet beetle

Antonyms

assist aid support help encourage advocate

Common collocations

  • hammer home
  • hammer out
  • hammer down
  • hammer into
  • hammer away
  • hammer the point

Word family

noun hammer
verb hammer

Usage note

As a verb, 'hammer' can mean to strike repeatedly or to criticize severely. It is often used figuratively to emphasize a point or to work out an agreement.

Example sentences

  1. I used a hammer to fix the loose nail on the fence.
  2. My dad used a hammer to break the old tile floor.
  3. The construction worker used a hammer to build the house.
  4. The judge used a hammer to call the court to order.
  5. The blacksmith used a hammer to make the horseshoe.

Quotes

  • When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail. - Abraham Maslow
  • If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail. - Abraham Maslow
  • Use a hammer to drive a nail, not to rule people. - Ancient Chinese Proverb

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words