1
as in to pierce
to make a hole or series of holes in
a nail punctured the tire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
I could never puncture my own skin with a hypodermic needle
Synonyms & Similar 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 puncture
David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
The winningest World Cup alpine skier of all time, Shiffrin has been out since Nov. 30, when a hard crash during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vt., left her with a puncture wound in her left abdomen.
—Zack Pierce, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Pat Graham, The Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2025
At Trump’s inauguration, a call for unity is punctured by grievance and threats, columnist Anita Chabria writes.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puncture
Noun
Following the incident, the vet assured the owner that no harm was done, explaining that the deeper puncture likely caused more pain than usual.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 2 Feb. 2025
The winningest World Cup alpine skier of all time, Shiffrin has been out since Nov. 30, when a hard crash during a giant slalom race in Killington, Vt., left her with a puncture wound in her left abdomen.
—Zack Pierce, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
That was all due to a serious crash in a giant slalom race on Nov. 30 in Killington, Vermont, where something punctured her in the side — still a mystery — and caused severe trauma to her oblique muscles.
—Pat Graham, The Denver Post, 23 Jan. 2025
At Trump’s inauguration, a call for unity is punctured by grievance and threats, columnist Anita Chabria writes.
—Hunter Clauss, Los Angeles Times, 21 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for puncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puncture
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Listen to this article A 58-year-old man was stabbed in the back of his shoulder and bitten on the top of his head while onboard an L train in Brooklyn, police said Friday.—
Kerry Burke,
New York Daily News,
1 Mar. 2025
-
He is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the brutal stabbing deaths of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
To make matters worse, referee Steve Willis failed to rule a knockdown in the ninth round when Davis clearly took a knee after absorbing a punch.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
British comedian Jack Whitehall was emcee-ing for the evening and not pulling any punches.—
Lily Ford,
The Hollywood Reporter,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
Pope jabs Vance, criticizes Trump admin for mass deportations Pope Francis denounced the Trump administration's plan to carry out mass deportations of migrants in a letter to U.S. bishops Tuesday, while appearing to take a direct jab at Vice President JD Vance.—
Dan Primack,
Axios,
11 Feb. 2025
-
Shortly after the beatdown, video footage leaked online showing the combative artist lying on the ground while being jabbed and stomped.—
Marc Griffin,
VIBE.com,
17 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
His family sat in the front row, wiping away tears throughout the service.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
8 Mar. 2025
-
Passionate testimonies of remembrance for deputies King and Rohrer brought the courtroom to tears.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Offerman also poked fun at himself with quips about his monotone voice and his appearance.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
3 Mar. 2025
-
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
Verb
-
The same goes for other retailers, such as Macy’s , that continue to close stores , which leads to both merchandise for TJX buyers to pick at and real estate opportunities to add new stores or relocate to better locations.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
26 Feb. 2025
-
In picking Bongino for the FBI deputy director job, Trump again is emphasizing loyalty and MAGA credentials over experience.—
Zac Anderson,
USA TODAY,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Puncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puncture. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share