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
While some participants pressed buttons to learn, others did MUCH bigger motions – like swinging a lightsaber to hit the stripes, or punching a response box in front of them. — Emily Kwong, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026 Wang walked it forward and punched through a wall of concrete bricks. — New Atlas, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
He was supported by 27 points from Austin Reaves, with the type of one-two punch the Heat could not counter. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026 Unlike his ’80s productions, which sound understandably brittle by modern standards, the tracks Atkins dropped as Infiniti retain ample warmth and punch. — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
  • The attacker slapped the woman on the buttocks on Bedford and Willoughby Aves.
    — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Hoffman wrote that director Mike Nichols had costar Katharine Ross slap him 27 times for a scene.
    — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Nov. 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
  • Guzman has an April 2009 conviction of driving drunk and causing injury to another person in Sacramento County, according to the complaint.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The pre-Election Day surge was driven mainly by in-person voting.
    — Miles Parks, NPR, 4 Nov. 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
  • Ultimately, the United States must remember that its external competitiveness will flow from its internal vigor.
    — Ali Wyne, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Many markets listed on bet365 offer competitive odds and lower vigor.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 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
  • Nutella, dulce de leche, cheesecake bites and the mini chocolate chips all got smacked with Stop Sales.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Wilson met him there, timing his jump to match the guard at the peak of his trajectory and smack the ball away with his right hand.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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