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
  • Doncic used a screen from Kessler to loop around in a circle away from pressure, evading Portland star Deni Avdija in the process to drill a 3-pointer from atop the key to knot the game at 68.
    — Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Operators drill wells much like oil and gas producers do, pump out the brine water, process and refine the lithium, and return more than 90% of the brine underground.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 7 Nov. 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
  • Propositions 41 and 42 While Proposition 40 focuses narrowly on taxing billionaires, competing Propositions 41 and 42 would have broader impacts on the state’s ability to enact new taxes.
    — Vanessa Martínez, Los Angeles Times, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Greg Totten, the association’s CEO and former longtime Ventura County district attorney, also criticized the decision and its impact on victims’ families.
    — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 6 Nov. 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
  • Miller counts his share of backers on the right, and his elevation will deliver a boost to Trump’s faithful after the resounding blow of Tuesday’s election.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The visit marked the first in-person contact between Russian and US officials since Tuesday’s midterm elections, when Democrats ousted Republicans from control of Congress in a blow to Trump.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Its aluminum frame features front and rear suspension, while 26 × 4-inch puncture-resistant fat tires and Tektro four-piston hydraulic disc brakes add practical features for varied surfaces.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • 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
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 9 Nov. 2026.

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