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
Brown allegedly used a tequila bottle as a weapon and repeatedly punched at and stomped on Diaw. — Jaeden Pinder, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2026 Moton lingered on the turf for a while, punching the turf in pain and dread, before a cart came out to transport him to the locker room. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026
Noun
Michael rolls with his partner’s punches, seeing it as ordinary courtroom tussling. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026 Mbilli, 31, a French-Cameroonian with an aggressive style and a high volume of punches, won the interim title by knocking out Maciej Sulecki in the first round in June 2025. — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
  • Public support among Americans has plummeted, and partners in Europe and elsewhere have slapped sanctions on Israel.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Jamie Love is swaying, slapping a hand against her thigh to keep time, and mouthing along to the music that plays from a set of portable speakers.
    — Sam Kestenbaum, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Next, Wyatt got a special teams boost when kicker Joshua Acevedo drilled a 41-yard field goal for the Chaparrals.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Oct. 2026
  • Doncic came right back, drilling a three-pointer over Gary Payton II on the next possession and put his fingers on his lips and glared at the crowd.
    — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 31 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Pratt, a 22-year-old rookie whose go-ahead hit sparked the Brewers to a 5-4 win in Game 2, drove a slider into the left-field seats against Seymour.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In recent years, General Motors has consistently sought to demonstrate that its investments in autonomous driving systems and software services can yield high margin revenue and open new growth frontiers.
    — , CNBC, 28 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The sanctions, however, are unlikely to have a major impact on Rwanda, argued Dizolele, though Kigali will be cognizant of the impact on its image in the eyes of the West.
    — Adrian Elimian, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Cultivating future scientists While museums may be viewed simply as sites for school field trips or family outings, their impact extends far beyond entertainment.
    — Lili Mei Granda Argianas, The Conversation, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • To prepare to lead in these areas, CISOs must approach AI readiness with the same vigor and care as AI adoption, building the skills, judgment and development opportunities employees need to govern AI effectively.
    — Haris Pylarinos, Forbes.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • As Doo-sik, Squid Game’s Park Hae-soo is delivering the show’s defining performance with such vigor and charisma that Stone’s hand is, whether intentionally or not, tipped.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • New York landing Oklahoma State’s Drew Mestemaker — who has emerged as the draft’s top quarterback prospect — would be a painful blow to Miami, though the Jets have a long tradition of screwing up young QBs.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 2 Nov. 2026
  • From there, both teams were trading blows, and the lead, on the scoreboard.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Typically, a puncture can trigger a dangerous chain reaction in a lithium-ion battery, leading it to catch fire or explode.
    — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The Cupertino writers are really cooking with this case, which once again sees multiple reversals of fortune, with Chatlike presenting airtight arguments that PSA punctures and vice versa.
    — Noel Murray, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Technically, this chart is like getting smacked in the face with a greasy paper bag filled with lamb gyros.
    — Josh Brown,Sean Russo, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The next inning, rookie shortstop Cooper Pratt smacked the go-ahead single.
    — Jacob Lev, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 3 Nov. 2026.

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