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

Birch Lane’s Juliette vanity packs some serious farmhouse charm, especially in this punchy shade of blue. —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 18 Feb. 2026

Once fermentation is complete, the kombucha’s flavor is a punchy combination of sweet and sour, with plenty of vinegar, amino acids and B vitamins, in addition to the probiotics. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 16 Feb. 2026

Olive salad adds punchy, bold flavor while chewy bits of salami add smoky, savory notes to each bite. —Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026

Studded with blood oranges and topped with a punchy guajillo chile oil, this tartare is a celebration of red—perfect for Valentine’s Day. —Anna Grace Lee, Vogue, 14 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1907, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for punchy

• crunchy