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

• 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

With a punchy, no-fluff style, this newsletter gives founders in the coaching and consulting space a competitive edge. —Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

And, for those who have enough black leggings, the Cadent leggings come in several cute, punchy colorways. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 11 June 2025

The Rapids did little to make their own luck, at least in a punchy way. —Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 8 June 2025

Plus, this 100% cotton velour towel reminds us of Palm Beach thanks to its punchy pattern. —Carly Totten, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for punchy

• crunchy