1
as in to slap
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
after the man had punched the bartender for eighty-sixing him, bouncers stepped in and restrained him until the police could arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to drill
to make a hole or series of holes in
punch a ticket
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
as in vigor
active strength of body or mind
we're going to need a candidate with real punch if voters are ever going to get excited about this election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
the poor palooka wasn't able to land a single punch on his opponent
Synonyms & Similar Words
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.
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Recent Examples of punch
Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Underwood was referring to his red-zone interception late in the first half and his third-quarter fumble when Purdue punched the ball out of his hands a few strides from the end zone.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
Sydney Sweeney takes a punch In a movie, that is.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punch
Verb
Videos shared on social media showed federal agents pinning a man to the ground and punching him in the head.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Underwood was referring to his red-zone interception late in the first half and his third-quarter fumble when Purdue punched the ball out of his hands a few strides from the end zone.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Noun
While flavors such as Grape Drank and Bohitian Dream offer a 10 mg punch of THC per can, the Bubbly Melon Kiwi option is best for those new to cannabis beverages with a more gentle 5 mg THC per can.
—Timothy Depeugh, Charlotte Observer, 7 Nov. 2025
Sydney Sweeney takes a punch In a movie, that is.
—Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 6 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
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After Zelina Vega slapped Rhodes, Aldis booked a non-title match between Rhodes and Black for the main event.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
-
When a gecko slaps its foot on a wall, many of the branches push tightly against the surface.—
Carl Zimmer,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Kicker Kyson Scott drilled it, giving Lake Ridge a 38-20 lead at halftime.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Rustin drilled Selva one last time on complex equations and imperial history.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The offer is available for dine-in and drive-thru only and is not valid through the McDonald’s app.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Timber, litter and understory vegetation are the main fuels driving the wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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But, every once in a while, I’ll get smacked in the face by one.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
-
An arrest warrant has been issued for a high school football player accused of intentionally smacking one of his opponents on the head at their game, according to investigators in North Florida.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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For Edelberto’s brother, Amilcar Hernandez, the death has been piercing and painful.—
Kevin G. Hall,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
-
In September, Manow posted a photo of her bloodied face and said Clateman knocked out her dermal piercing during a fight.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Under the public trees, children ran exultantly between cars.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The thumping Republicans took in this week's elections reflected longer-running anger among constituencies that already leaned Democratic, but the GOP needs to worry that the government shutdown will cause that frustration to spread.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Cavaliers appeared to be in good position to escape with the win in regulation after forward Evan Mobley hit an above-the-break three-pointer off an assist from forward De’Andre Hunter to give Cleveland a two-point advantage.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
11 Nov. 2025
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Prosecutors said Chastain then used the flashlight to hit Raleigh in the head and mouth before leaving the area.—
Rosalio Ahumada,
Sacbee.com,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The two-minute intro video poked gentle fun at British TV, gender politics, and artificial intelligence — and was made entirely with AI.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Shoving, tapping, poking and generally wanting to clobber the person snoring beside you doesn’t exactly put anyone in the mood for love either.—
Ian Kerner,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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