1
as in to slap
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
after the man had punched the bartender for eighty-sixing him, bouncers stepped in and restrained him until the police could arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to drill
to make a hole or series of holes in
punch a ticket
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect
the real punch of the speech came in its closing lines
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in vigor
active strength of body or mind
we're going to need a candidate with real punch if voters are ever going to get excited about this election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
the poor palooka wasn't able to land a single punch on his opponent
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in puncture
a mark or small hole made by a pointed instrument
old computers used to get information by reading the punches on a series of cards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of punch
Ryan Morik, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
If Hackman flashed his teeth in delight, there was a chance his character might suddenly punch or shoot someone a moment later.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025
Ranging from mild to spicy, these crunchy root vegetables are versatile, beautiful, and pack a big punch of fresh zippiness into each bite.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punch
Verb
On that day, Diggs was allegedly punched, and his watch and gaming system were destroyed.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 28 Feb. 2025
If Hackman flashed his teeth in delight, there was a chance his character might suddenly punch or shoot someone a moment later.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
Swinging and missing on Stafford, however, would be a gut punch to start this pivotal offseason.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 28 Feb. 2025
Ranging from mild to spicy, these crunchy root vegetables are versatile, beautiful, and pack a big punch of fresh zippiness into each bite.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
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Hackman slapped the man, according to an account in the Associated Press. 'Reach for the stars!' Hackman also had a prankster side.—
Rick Jervis,
USA TODAY,
3 Mar. 2025
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That show, however, was overshadowed by Will Smith slapping Chris Rock in the face onstage over a joke Rock made about Smith's wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.—
Lucia Suarez Sang,
CBS News,
2 Mar. 2025
Verb
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These scientists drill deep holes through the mile-thick ice to see what’s happening at a glacier’s base.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
28 Feb. 2025
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Batter’s box: Leo De Vries, the Padres’ top prospect drilled a double to the warning track and scored in the ninth inning.—
Gqlshare,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2025
Verb
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With Scrabble’s 80-year history, 165 million sets sold, and presence in more than 120 countries, the company is banking on the game’s universal recognition to drive international adaptations.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
3 Mar. 2025
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So, does your workplace use curiosity to drive meaningful results?—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Yates took his anger out on a chair, smacking the bench, the redshirt freshman guard dropping 18 points and three threes to little avail.—
Luca Evans,
Orange County Register,
15 Feb. 2025
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For the last three weeks, Democrats up and down the seniority list have been stuck playing an especially frustrating game of Whac-a-Mole: smack the outrage of the hour and then race to hit the next one, never quite leveling the field.—
Philip Elliott,
TIME,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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When recovered, the rifle was loaded with high-powered ammunition capable of piercing standard body armor and ready to fire, with the scope caps flipped open, the selector lever set to fire and a round chambered.—
Michael Dorgan,
Fox News,
28 Feb. 2025
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Infrared instruments in space are ideal for piercing through dust and gas to see some of the universe’s oldest stars and galaxies, which would otherwise be obscured from view.—
Denise Chow,
NBC News,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Kounalakis is one of several candidates running to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom next year.—
William Melhado,
Sacramento Bee,
6 Mar. 2025
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If granted, the permit by itself would not allow Tesla to run any autonomous vehicle rides, with or without someone behind the wheel.—
Sandra McDonald,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The 26-year-old Maleficent star was one of the first to hit the carpet, floating in a white gown that was chosen after a hands-on fitting with Burton, 51, herself.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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Xiaomi’s shares, which are listed in Hong Kong, hit a record high this week.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Read more Adrien Brody gives powerful Oscar speech after Best Actor win The worst Super Bowl ads of 2025 Hulu's Oscars gaffe, email error sparks anger During the ceremony, Oscars host Conan O'Brien poked fun at the Dune star's outfit color choice.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
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Offerman also poked fun at himself with quips about his monotone voice and his appearance.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
3 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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