double whammy

noun

Definition of double whammynext
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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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 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
  1. blow
  2. disaster
  3. catastrophe
  4. tragedy
Noun
  • For now, better wheat and barley crops in Canada, Australia and Argentina, along with good harvests in the Middle East and North Africa, are cushioning the blow.
    — Jenni Reid, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Then, after weeks of sit-ins and marches, Dharmendra Pradhan, the education minister, stepped down, a rare blow to Modi’s government, and one that more established opposition parties had been unable to land.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 10 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
  • The top prize there was awarded to The Lake, directed by Abby Ellis, a film exploring the environmental catastrophe posed by the rapidly shrinking Great Salt Lake in Utah.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Mahomes’ rapid recovery from last year’s ACL/LCL catastrophe is great news for Kansas City fans and the NFL’s TV/streaming partners, as he and the Chiefs are slated to pop up in as many as 12 national windows before the playoffs arrive.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 9 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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Cite this Entry

“Double whammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20whammy. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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