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
Since the turn of the century, car makers have been among the crown jewels of the German economy, punching above their weight in terms of investment and innovation. — Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026 See, the way my thighs are set up, running long distance in a pair of shorty shorts would just mean punching a one-way ticket to Chafe-town. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Noun
The gut punch came in the sixth inning when Trea Turner and Bryce Harper led off with consecutive singles. — ABC News, 25 Sep. 2026 It’s been around forever, packs a punch, and helped us defeat the Nazis in World War II. — John B. Snow, Outdoor Life, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
  • The United States slapped a 50% tariff on many goods from Canada this summer – but critical imports, such as potash, crude oil and electricity, were spared.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
  • He was asked about the interaction, and briefly talked about seeing all the reaction videos on X, including the AI one with Sarkisian slapping Rowe.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As his colleagues look on, Brunson, in his desk chair, drills the shot across the room.
    — William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Miami pass rusher Chop Robinson drilled Mahomes and landed on him, drawing a roughing-the-passer penalty for 15 yards and a first down.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The nation's flood insurance program struggles to balance affordability, flood protection and cost to taxpayers, leaving millions vulnerable at a time when climate change is driving flood risk higher.
    — MICHAEL PHILLIS, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • These, then collided with boron nuclei and helped drive the fusion reaction rate beyond 100 million reactions per second.
    — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The texture of his clothes also evolves from cold, hard fabrics to cashmere and softer clothes, representing Olive’s positive impact on him.
    — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Tax laws or regulations are subject to change at any time and can have a substantial impact on an actual client situation.
    — Rob Edwards, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 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
  • Start with clean hair or roots prepped with dry shampoo, then use a small heated round brush or blow-dryer to give the bangs volume.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 27 Sep. 2026
  • Australia suffered an injury blow with wicketkeeper Josh Inglis sidelined from the rest of the series due to a finger injury.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Robin recalled the animal charging at him twice, leaving puncture marks near his hip from clawing at him.
    — Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The man sustained a puncture wound and was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens with a minor injury, according to police.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Contreras smacked Young’s sinker 403 feet to left to lead off the fourth for his 18th homer.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Sep. 2026
  • In a fight with yet more mercenaries, Reacher smacks a gun out of a guy’s hand using one of Philadelphia’s moving subway trains.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 1 Oct. 2026.

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