punctuate
verb
punc·tu·ate
ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt 
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2
: to break into or interrupt at intervals
The steady click of her needles punctuated the silence …—
Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton3
: to use punctuation marks
Examples of punctuate in a Sentence
Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly?
punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table
Recent Examples on the Web
Miami rebuilt the margin to 16 points via a 7-0 run punctuated by two free throws from Donaldson.
—Field Level Media, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
In addition to all the vases and tissue boxes Stephan recommends, make sure your book collection is punctuated with decorative bookends.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Outside, sculptures by Joan Miró, Jim Dine, and Robert Indiana punctuate the garden, while a reflective stainless-steel work captures both the golf course and the Sphere in its mirrored surface.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026
South Elgin sophomore Allison Garbasz (42-0) punctuated her unbeaten season with a pin in the second period against Freeburg’s Grace Stratton for the 155-pound state title.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctuate
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Field Level Media, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2026
In addition to all the vases and tissue boxes Stephan recommends, make sure your book collection is punctuated with decorative bookends.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Outside, sculptures by Joan Miró, Jim Dine, and Robert Indiana punctuate the garden, while a reflective stainless-steel work captures both the golf course and the Sphere in its mirrored surface.
—David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2026
South Elgin sophomore Allison Garbasz (42-0) punctuated her unbeaten season with a pin in the second period against Freeburg’s Grace Stratton for the 155-pound state title.
—Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctuate
Cite this Entry
“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
punctuate
verb
punc·tu·ate
ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide with punctuation marks
2
: to interrupt at intervals
a speech punctuated by a harsh cough
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