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

Its active noise is top notch, Transparency Mode keeps you aware, and the audio tuning hits that right balance between punchy low ends and crisp vocals. —PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025

Amorim wants United to be punchy and pacy, but the team need an extra level of precision — in both boxes. —Carl Anka, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025

With a background in sitcoms, plenty of experience on the live stage and a knack for penning punchy song lyrics, Carpenter is primed to let her comedic side shine Saturday night. —Ashley Iasimone, Billboard, 18 Oct. 2025

Giving your door a fresh coat of paint in this punchy hue can add energy to the exterior of your house, says Westbrooks. —Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for punchy

• crunchy