pack a punch/wallop

phrase

informal
: to be very strong, forceful, or energetic
Careful—these hot peppers really pack a punch.
Unlike her last album, her new release packs a wallop.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pack a punch/wallop.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pack%20a%20punch%2Fwallop. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster