punchy

adjective

\ ˈpən-chē

punchier; punchiest

Definition of punchy

1a : 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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About punchy

Examples of punchy in a Sentence

shrimp in a punchy sauce She was punchy with fatigue.

Recent Examples on the Web This Mississippi family trio, which includes sisters Danica and Devynn Hart with their cousin Trea Swindle, pays homage to their own dreams and ambitions in this punchy track that showcases their gorgeous harmonies. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 1 Apr. 2022 The Allroad provides punchy acceleration thanks to its powerful 335-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 engine. — Rachel Rothman, Good Housekeeping, 19 Mar. 2022 The punchy social media relationship between Rob Lowe and his son, John Owen Lowe, has inspired a Netflix comedy. — Lesley Goldberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Apr. 2022 To translate the computer code, algorithms and V.C. funding strategies into digestible dialogue, the shows count on punchy descriptions and analogies. — John Jurgensen, WSJ, 22 Mar. 2022 This match did a good job showcasing Wheeler Yuta, who was positioned as the valiant, punchy underdog. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes, 17 Mar. 2022 The show’s closing look was an embroidered dress in an unexpectedly punchy shade of green. — New York Times, 9 Mar. 2022 But if streaming has facilitated the use of the F-word, with its punchy hard-consonant ending, why are artists and listeners increasingly drawn to it in the first place? — Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2022 The designers have always addressed political issues in their work, and this season, the message was somehow more punchy and radical. — Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'punchy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.