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
Under the vehicles in a trench, technicians install HVAC lines while above, horns and revving engines punctuate the constant hum.
—Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
His final stat line of 26 points with eight total 3-pointers punctuated an 84-81 comeback victory over Redemption for JIM, a team of his creation.
—Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 23 June 2025
Even the smallest, most inconsequential decisions can feel overwhelming, since the mental routes that once effortlessly facilitated those processes can feel as though they’re punctuated with delays and detours.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Over two weeks ending earlier this month, more than 2,000 objections punctuated a high-stakes hearing in federal court to have a judge decide whether to take the unprecedented step of seizing control of Los Angeles city’s homelessness programs.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for punctuate
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Kristin Shaw, Popular Science, 25 June 2025
His final stat line of 26 points with eight total 3-pointers punctuated an 84-81 comeback victory over Redemption for JIM, a team of his creation.
—Devon Henderson, Oc Register, 23 June 2025
Even the smallest, most inconsequential decisions can feel overwhelming, since the mental routes that once effortlessly facilitated those processes can feel as though they’re punctuated with delays and detours.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Over two weeks ending earlier this month, more than 2,000 objections punctuated a high-stakes hearing in federal court to have a judge decide whether to take the unprecedented step of seizing control of Los Angeles city’s homelessness programs.
—Doug Smith, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 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 5 Jul. 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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