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
Synonyms
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
Cult sunglasses brand Akila and streetwear brand Market have collaborated on a collection of sharp rectangular frames in classic black, camouflage and green glitter candy paint — with the iconic Smiley punctuating the temple of each pair.
—The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2024
The streamer also offers subscribers movies and live sports action from the NFL on CBS (including the Super Bowl!), UEFA Champions League and March Madness (punctuated by highlights, replays and expert analysis via CBS Sports HQ).
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 11 July 2024
As the vice president emerged from the plane, she was caught in a downpour, punctuated by thunder and lightning.
—Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 7 July 2024
As Pride Month draws to a close, cities across the U.S. are preparing for the final blowout celebrations that punctuate the annual month of LGBTQIA+ celebration.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 29 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for punctuate 
The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2024
The streamer also offers subscribers movies and live sports action from the NFL on CBS (including the Super Bowl!), UEFA Champions League and March Madness (punctuated by highlights, replays and expert analysis via CBS Sports HQ).
—Claire Franken, TVLine, 11 July 2024
As the vice president emerged from the plane, she was caught in a downpour, punctuated by thunder and lightning.
—Karen Tumulty, Washington Post, 7 July 2024
As Pride Month draws to a close, cities across the U.S. are preparing for the final blowout celebrations that punctuate the annual month of LGBTQIA+ celebration.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 29 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for punctuate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'punctuate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.
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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