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
Also in Tuesday’s practice, outside linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was ejected for throwing a punch at offensive tackle Terence Steele. Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Aug. 2026 And how about the shot Vasquez took after landing the initial punch? Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 3 Aug. 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
  • Other experts say that unless Japan addresses the structural forces driving the weakness in yen, the intervention's effects are likely to be short-lived.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Both have driven over 20B minutes of viewership on streaming platforms from January through June.
    Katie Campione, Deadline, 4 Aug. 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
  • In the same way that London is more than just red buses, black cabs, and a rather large parliamentary clock, England is more than just the vigor of London.
    Katie Silcox, Vogue, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Hao-Yu Lee, a Harris trade acquisition for Michael Lorenzen at the 2023 deadline, has helped inject life and vigor into the lineup.
    Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 4 Aug. 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
  • Photos shared by the family show Claire Macdonel's hand covered in cuts and puncture wounds shortly after the bite.
    Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Eight hours of stitching to close all the puncture wounds and tears followed.
    Todd Orr, Outdoor Life, 30 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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