punch 1 of 3

Definition of punchnext

punch

2 of 3

noun (1)

1
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect the real punch of the speech came in its closing lines

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in puncture
a mark or small hole made by a pointed instrument old computers used to get information by reading the punches on a series of cards

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of punch
Verb
Salgado is accused of approaching the man, taunting him to start a fight and punching him in the face, police said. Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026 The café-bar is a pleasant enough hangout with slate-gray walls punched with color, shelves of artsy souvenirs, and design magazines worth browsing, but the surrounding streets are stacked with great dining options. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Noun
Storms are usually weaker in summer than winter because the jet stream doesn’t add as much punch to intensify them. Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 27 July 2026 She was also not asked any other questions specifically about Clark, Thomas' punch to Clark's throat or a recent letter sent to the league by 11 GOP lawmakers pressing for greater accountability regarding the physical treatment against Clark. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
  • This one is a badass soldier/leader, who can’t stop slapping Stuart, Kripke and Bert.
    Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The Congolese drum, a traditional instrument of the Luba people, makes a sound akin to the hand slapping skin.
    Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Verb
  • The 23-year-old outfielder has drilled 21 home runs against right-handed pitching, 10 on the road and six on the road against righties.
    Josh Shepardson, Forbes.com, 3 Aug. 2026
  • Another effective herbicide treatment involves drilling holes 8 inches deep into the stump and pouring herbicide into the holes.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • To prevent speculation that drives up land price without actual construction, the zoning benefits would be granted only on submission of building-permit applications.
    Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
  • Real estate has always been driven by connections between buyers and sellers.
    Heartland MLS®, Kansas City Star, 22 July 2026
Noun
  • The timeline Charlotte City Council and CRTPO rescinded support for the project in May citing concerns of the design and the impact on communities near the Interstate.
    DJ Simmons August 1, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Even more unnerving than the sheer volume is how little the impact is understood and accounted for.
    Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • January LaVoy works in a variety of different genres and brings vigor to each one.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026
  • The Victorian era was awash in handwringing about the loss of male vigor (some of which was blamed on the unnatural intellectual pursuits of women).
    Elizabeth Dray, STAT, 21 July 2026
Noun
  • After Torres broke a tie with a two-run shot in the fifth, Clark delivered his big blow the following inning.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • That was a massive blow, and losing speedy rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell to another knee injury Wednesday didn’t help, either.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The family was not present Friday for the medical examiner’s testimony, which featured graphic autopsy photos including two puncture wounds to the chest and abdomen that the medical examiner determined caused the victim’s death.
    Jason Kravarik, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
  • The neighbor also suffered a puncture wound during the fight, police said.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • The teriyaki aroma from the wings was almost strong enough to taste, and the flavor smacks you in the face from the first bite.
    Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Catcher Daniel Susac followed up Wednesday’s two-home-run game by smacking a two-run shot, and the Giants bullpen didn’t break down while protecting a 4-1 victory.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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