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
Third-quarter push Trailing by 16 points at the half, the Magic punched back in a major way in the third quarter. — Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026 To punch a ticket to Saturday’s title game, Southwest Christian toppled district foe and reigning champion Fort Worth All Saints (17-11, 6-4) in three sets. — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
The flavor excels because each ingredient punches above its weight. — Nina Moskowitz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Nov. 2026 Our favorite model remains the ULT Tower 10, which costs $300 and still delivers the punch most people would want. — Christian De Looper, PC Magazine, 7 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
  • And in Honduras, Milexy Rodríguez lost 15 cows in 40 days when drought dried up her lagoon, rebuilding by drilling a well and diversifying.
    — Lys Arango, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • When the single mother of two was without a car to drive her son, senior Daijon Overton, from his home in Woodlawn to school in Morgan Park, the coach stepped in for the right tackle, Bush said.
    — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Her husband instructed their 13-year-old son to drive his three siblings to a nearby relative's home.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 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
  • Toney is one of the leaders on the team, so losing him before the biggest game of the regular season was a tough blow.
    — Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
  • While the announcement doesn’t guarantee that Eisenkot will be the next prime minister, Herzog’s decision is another blow to Netanyahu, who lost his parliamentary majority in the election.
    — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 8 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 12 Nov. 2026.

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