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
These are often punctuated with colorful precious stones, diamonds and freshwater pearls — his family business’ forte.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
Designed with interior designer Sarah Carpenter, the store is elegant and feels expensive, with sleek wood finishes punctuated by greenery and florals.
—Florence O'Connor, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2025
At S'Albufera Natural Park, hikes pass through wetlands and are often punctuated with flamingo sightings.
—Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025
Listed by Carmen Galzerano of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, the six-bedroom, nine-bath home offers roughly 11,700 square feet across three levels punctuated with arched doorways, sliding wrought-iron and glass barn doors, and folding walls of glass.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025
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Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025
Designed with interior designer Sarah Carpenter, the store is elegant and feels expensive, with sleek wood finishes punctuated by greenery and florals.
—Florence O'Connor, Vogue, 14 Nov. 2025
At S'Albufera Natural Park, hikes pass through wetlands and are often punctuated with flamingo sightings.
—Kristine Hansen, Travel + Leisure, 13 Nov. 2025
Listed by Carmen Galzerano of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, the six-bedroom, nine-bath home offers roughly 11,700 square feet across three levels punctuated with arched doorways, sliding wrought-iron and glass barn doors, and folding walls of glass.
—Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punctuate
Cite this Entry
“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 24 Nov. 2025.
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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