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.
Related Words
Relevance
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 double whammy
The cascading impact of Medicaid and Essential Plan cuts may sap NYC Health + Hospitals revenue, but increase demand for its services if New Yorkers lose public health insurance coverage — a double whammy.
—
Andrew Rein, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Cage-free eggs Colorado faces a double whammy where egg prices are concerned.
—Jack Buffington, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2025
This demographic shift is creating a double whammy for employers: Not only are fewer people seeking new opportunities, but a significant portion of the experienced workforce will soon exit the market.
—Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Hacks hits us with a double whammy this Thursday, with not one but two episodes hitting Max on May 15.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for double whammy
Andrew Rein, New York Daily News, 16 Apr. 2025
Cage-free eggs Colorado faces a double whammy where egg prices are concerned.
—Jack Buffington, The Conversation, 24 Mar. 2025
This demographic shift is creating a double whammy for employers: Not only are fewer people seeking new opportunities, but a significant portion of the experienced workforce will soon exit the market.
—Duane Tursi, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors
Hacks hits us with a double whammy this Thursday, with not one but two episodes hitting Max on May 15.
—Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for double whammy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double whammy
Noun
-
Pang’s departure is a blow to Apple’s AI ambitions and comes amid internal scrutiny of its AI strategy, which has so far failed to match the capabilities fielded by rival tech companies, leaving Apple dependent on third-party AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic.—
Jeremy Kahn,
Fortune,
8 July 2025
-
The news was not only a blow to Lilly but also a surprise to millions using Zepbound on Caremark plans, who are now questioning how to move forward.—
Alysa Guffey,
IndyStar,
7 July 2025
Noun
-
Additionally, the general public came to mistrust and reject nuclear energy projects, further disillusioned by the Three Mile Island disaster.—
Time,
Time,
15 July 2025
-
In any disaster, responding quickly can help save people and salve the harm.—
Zoë Schlanger,
The Atlantic,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
As the climate crisis accelerates, producing more frequent and devastating tragedies, our leaders must offer more than thoughts and prayers.—
Brian Recker,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 July 2025
-
Blakely, along with 26 other Camp Mystic girls and counselors, perished in the deluge – forcing her family to endure yet another unfathomable tragedy.—
Pamela Brown,
CNN Money,
18 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Double whammy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double%20whammy. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share