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
Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026
That footage showed Jones elbowing, stomping and punching the boy, and prompted the police investigation.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Nbc News, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
—Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punch
Verb
This occurs when the weight of the water pooling at the top of the iceberg creates enough pressure at the edges to punch through.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 8 Jan. 2026
That footage showed Jones elbowing, stomping and punching the boy, and prompted the police investigation.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Noun
These developments were a gut-punch for Michelle, a resident of Caracas.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 8 Jan. 2026
Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.
—Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
-
Five players were booked during their defeat to Cameroon, including Foster, who slapped the linesman’s hand twice and screamed in his face in frustration over a decision.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Mimicking what happened seven years earlier after the Dallas playoff win in Charlotte, the players ran back outside and took a lap around the stadium, slapping hands with delirious home fans.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Jennings made the throw while getting drilled by All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who was flagged for roughing the passer.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
12 Jan. 2026
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Also in attendance are two representatives from M-Tex’s insurance firm, Blanton — the same group that previously warned of legal action unless the company used its $400 million insurance payout to drill a new offshore well.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As previously reported by Fox News Digital, the unrest has been driven by a mix of economic desperation and political anger.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
While there are some other small new concessions in the CBA that will help players make ends meet (such as getting access to health benefits in the offseason), to hear ECHLers explain their strike vote, the pay bump was never the driving force.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Diaz obliged, but not before smacking an unlucky onlooker with a wayward first attempt, above.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Often, though, the clutter is the point, and you’re smacked with temperamental textures that channel the flippant streak of plunderphonics.—
H.D. Angel,
Pitchfork,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Whistle blasts pierced the early January chill in a now-familiar community response employed by activists in US cities to alert neighbors to the presence of immigration officers.—
Ray Sanchez,
CNN Money,
10 Jan. 2026
-
As for what these glorious creatures sound like, the great eared nightjar's piercing call can be heard at dawn and dusk.—
Marina Watts,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The woman running the daycare had attempted life-saving measures on the child before emergency services arrived, First Alert 4 reported.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Kaelon Black ran for two touchdowns to lead the Indiana running game.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Iowa then got three good looks from the three-point line in the final seconds but couldn't hit the tying shot.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
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Despite their franchise history dating back to the mid-70s (via Kansas City and Colorado), which includes essentially all of the highest-scoring era in league history, the New Jersey Devils have never had a player hit either of the game’s most basic offensive milestones.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The actress hasn't spoken publicly about her dating life, aside from a few TikTok videos poking fun at her singleness.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Continue reading … POLITICS POLITICAL THEATER – Vance reposts meme poking fun at Democrats' Jan 6 candlelight vigil.—
,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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