What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wallop
Example
The boxer delivered a wallop to his opponent's jaw. [wallop: noun]
Example
She walloped the ball with her tennis racket, sending it flying over the net. [walloped: past tense verb]
pummel
Example
The bully pummeled the smaller kid until he was bruised and bleeding. [pummeled: past tense verb]
Example
The wrestler managed to pummel his opponent into submission. [pummel: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pummel is more commonly used than wallop in everyday language. Pummel is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while wallop is less common and often used in informal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wallop and pummel?
Neither wallop nor pummel are particularly formal words, but pummel may be considered more informal due to its association with violence and aggression.