1
as in slaps
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
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2
as in drills
to make a hole or series of holes in
punch a ticket
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in blows
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 punctures
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
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Recent Examples of punches
Sho Dewan, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Employers today want people who can roll with the punches, adapt to different work setups, and thrive in any environment.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
His punches, rising over his adversary's guard, left their mark on Fury’s face.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
His punches, rising over his adversary's guard, left their mark on Fury’s face.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
His punches, rising over his adversary's guard, left their mark on Fury’s face.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
His punches, rising over his adversary's guard, left their mark on Fury’s face.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Over the past two years, the department said this week, the number of times jailers have used force has decreased by 23%, and the number of head strikes — punches to the face or head — has fallen by 35%.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
In a year of gut punches, none has hit harder for Oakland A’s fans than the sudden loss of the greatest player to don the green and gold, Hall of Fame outfielder and native son Rickey Henderson.
—Melissa Lockard, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024
Noun
Employers today want people who can roll with the punches, adapt to different work setups, and thrive in any environment.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
Employers today want people who can roll with the punches, adapt to different work setups, and thrive in any environment.
—Sho Dewan, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024
His punches, rising over his adversary's guard, left their mark on Fury’s face.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
His punches, rising over his adversary's guard, left their mark on Fury’s face.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
His punches, rising over his adversary's guard, left their mark on Fury’s face.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
His punches, rising over his adversary's guard, left their mark on Fury’s face.
—Trent Reinsmith, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Over the past two years, the department said this week, the number of times jailers have used force has decreased by 23%, and the number of head strikes — punches to the face or head — has fallen by 35%.
—Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2024
In a year of gut punches, none has hit harder for Oakland A’s fans than the sudden loss of the greatest player to don the green and gold, Hall of Fame outfielder and native son Rickey Henderson.
—Melissa Lockard, The Athletic, 21 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punches
Verb
-
Johnson immediately lets out an expletive and quickly drives past the animal.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Apr. 2025
-
Far from being a drain on city resources, historic preservation drives long-term economic growth.—
Bruce D Coons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
When the biggest name in the sport jumps teams, a tsunami hits.—
Olivia Hicks,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Snow White hits theaters on March 21.—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Sancho made one or two good recovery runs to track Munoz, but those efforts were not consistent, leaving Cucurella to defend one-on-one too often.—
Liam Twomey,
The Athletic,
4 Jan. 2025
-
Shoppers mention that the set runs large, so consider sizing down.—
Annita Katee,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The series pokes fun at musical tropes and also has hilarious songs of its own.—
Keith Langston,
People.com,
23 Mar. 2025
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During anagen, the hair follicle will produce a new shaft–the part of the follicle that pokes above the skin.—
RJ Mackenzie,
Popular Science,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But Wesley slams off the tape right then and there, and later side-eyes Graham in the break room.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
7 Jan. 2025
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Out of the blue, Ian attacks the man and slams a dagger into his heart.—
Lincee Ray,
EW.com,
4 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Green claps along, and is visibly impressed when Freeman hits that signature high note.—
Rebecca Angel Baer,
Southern Living,
3 Jan. 2025
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Detroit Pistons team owner Tom Gores claps during the press conference on July 30, 2021 at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit, Michigan.—
Michael Ozanian,
CNBC,
16 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Punches.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punches. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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