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
Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
The 33-year-old suspect in the Kroger Marketplace stabbing in Southgate was acting in self-defense while being punched at work, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
While Bain has graded out higher, Mesidor is also among the top edge rushers in college football, and the 1-2 punch on Miami’s defensive line has been critical to their success.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punch
Verb
With the family, with the significance of it, now being back on top for most wins in the season, punching the ticket to the 4, all of it.
—Saajan Jogia, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
The 33-year-old suspect in the Kroger Marketplace stabbing in Southgate was acting in self-defense while being punched at work, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
—Natalie Davies, Freep.com, 13 Oct. 2025
Noun
Indeed, October storms in the region rarely have carried the punch that this one brought, especially in the South Bay.
—Rick Hurd, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
While Bain has graded out higher, Mesidor is also among the top edge rushers in college football, and the 1-2 punch on Miami’s defensive line has been critical to their success.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
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As the scrum disperses, D’Angelo turns to you and slaps you five.—
Touré,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
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Violeta Santos Moura | Reuters Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of trying to weaken the global economy by slapping export controls on resources vital for technology.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Presidents walked it off against Plymouth South in their last game (25-22), as Brayden O’Connell drilled a field goal at the buzzer.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
16 Oct. 2025
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Moody drilled the 38-yard field goal as time expired to complete the comeback.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
-
Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.—
Bay Area Weather Report,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The back half of the New York Film Festival delivered a secret screening of a solid Academy Award contender, the box office smacked down a Venice Film Festival award winner, and two major contenders in the acting fields up and switched their categories.—
Joe Reid,
Vulture,
10 Oct. 2025
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Their best chance against him came in the first inning when Kyle Schwarber smacked a one-out double to right.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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While the rest of his body was a meandering ghost, his eyes were molten rage-arrows piercing the other people onstage.—
Betty Gilpin,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Oct. 2025
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Her jacket featured side lace-up details, while her pants had piercing-like details.—
Renan Botelho,
Footwear News,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Maddy Rivard, public relations specialist for Life Time, said Thursday the Big Sugar Classic is one of more than 30 running and cycling events Life Time owns and operates across the country.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Oct. 2025
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But against Cleveland – who was without a viable quarterback option in London – Minnesota allowed Quinshon Judkins to run for 110 yards.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Snell faced the minimum while allowing one hit and striking out a postseason career-high 10 batters.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
14 Oct. 2025
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Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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My neighbors started poking their heads in the front door, too.—
Melissa Willets,
Parents,
14 Oct. 2025
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This bra has wide straps, side-smoothing panels, and an allover stretchy fit — sans wires poking you in the ribcage.—
Jeaneen Russell,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.
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