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

Designers are craving excitement and color this season, manifesting this shift with maximalist bedding sporting punchy colors, big stripes, and winding patterns. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 8 Jan. 2026

The other is something more resembling that first one’s exact opposite—a dark and broody sipper, punchy and robust, liquid mollification reflecting that the best of the season is now officially behind us, and all that lays ahead is the long frigid slog toward spring. —Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 3 Jan. 2026

Sometimes a punchy line or two, sometimes a story or trail of memory or inquiry that drops you into the thick of her life. —Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 3 Jan. 2026

The simple cheese gives you a great opportunity to taste the toasty dough, punchy tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella dusted with a bit of pecorino. —Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 29 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for punchy

• crunchy