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
Arda Guler — Turkey/Real Madrid Two sensational long-range goals against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in April punctuated a hugely positive third season for Guler at Real Madrid.
—Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
The meat is combined with a sweet and smoky romesco punctuated with piquillo peppers, Fresno chiles, lemon and lots of charred onions.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
The ceasefire period has been punctuated by intermittent fighting and dueling blockades in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping lane choked off by the conflict.
—Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
The runner-up finish punctuated the Tritons improvement under Greenberg, who counts Stephens as a coaching mentor.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctuate
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Liam Twomey, New York Times, 11 June 2026
The meat is combined with a sweet and smoky romesco punctuated with piquillo peppers, Fresno chiles, lemon and lots of charred onions.
—Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026
The ceasefire period has been punctuated by intermittent fighting and dueling blockades in and around the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping lane choked off by the conflict.
—Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 10 June 2026
The runner-up finish punctuated the Tritons improvement under Greenberg, who counts Stephens as a coaching mentor.
—Dan Albano, Oc Register, 10 June 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 13 Jun. 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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