punchy

adjective

ˈpən-chē 

punchier; punchiest

1

a

: having punch : forceful, spirited

The collection is strong on punchy, memorable music and weak on lyrics.

—People Weekly

He leans abruptly forward and speaks with the punchy emphasis of an inveterate politician.

—Bill Bryson

b

: vivid, vibrant

These punchy colors glide on and blend easily into mere hints of color.

—Elle

c

: zesty

It is an elegant dish, although the sauce seems overly polite now. I remember it when the fresh coriander was an intense and punchy flavor.

—Caroline Bates

2

: dazed, punch-drunk

… I arrived in Paris after a thirteen-hour flight, unwashed, unshaved, punchy from jet lag, discombobulated …

—David Berlinski

Synonyms of punchy

• dazed
• confused
• bewildered
• distracted
• dizzy
• stunned

Examples of punchy in a Sentence

shrimp in a punchy sauce

She was punchy with fatigue.

Recent Examples on the Web

The lobster ceviche with punchy citrus notes is the perfect opening plate, followed by octopus glazed in a sticky char siu. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

Fortunately, the punchy boxer keeps the gearbox from constantly hunting for the ideal ratio. —Byron Hurd, The Drive, 22 Jan. 2026

Canary yellow, purple and cobalt blue provide a cool, bright and punchy color palette for pieces like circle skirts and statement outerwear. —Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Jan. 2026

Rendered in a punchy palette of cream, hot pink, cobalt blue, and highlighter yellow, the fashion-forward topper has two roomy pockets and a quarter-button-up silhouette. —Kelsey Stewart, Travel + Leisure, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for punchy

• crunchy