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
Her testimony on the Epstein files, however, was mostly punctuated by dramatic clashes with lawmakers — exchanges that occurred as eight Epstein survivors attended the hearing.
—Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 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, 10 Feb. 2026
As if to punctuate the point, Arizona stormed to a quick 6-0 lead that compelled disgusted coach Bill Self to call a timeout only 1 minute, 35 seconds into the game.
—Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
The 21-year-old from Virginia delivered a crucial free skate on Sunday night for the winning American team, filled with his trademark quadruple jumps, and punctuated the gold medal-clinching performance with his dramatic backflip.
—Fernanda Figueroa, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctuate
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Ana Ceballos, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 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, 10 Feb. 2026
As if to punctuate the point, Arizona stormed to a quick 6-0 lead that compelled disgusted coach Bill Self to call a timeout only 1 minute, 35 seconds into the game.
—Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026
The 21-year-old from Virginia delivered a crucial free skate on Sunday night for the winning American team, filled with his trademark quadruple jumps, and punctuated the gold medal-clinching performance with his dramatic backflip.
—Fernanda Figueroa, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 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 12 Feb. 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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