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
City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
The buttons along the earcups are also more distinct, and the microphone grilles have been redesigned from the usual mesh cavities to larger holes that appear to punch directly through the earcup chassis.
—Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 18 May 2026
Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
At one point in the practice, then-Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace and then-Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forrest were tangled up after a play and threw what appeared to be punches.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for punch
Verb
On the afternoon of the event, a Jewish man was walking his dog near the synagogue when Gitesatani approached from behind and punched him in the jaw, according to federal prosecutors.
—City News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026
The buttons along the earcups are also more distinct, and the microphone grilles have been redesigned from the usual mesh cavities to larger holes that appear to punch directly through the earcup chassis.
—Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 18 May 2026
Noun
Poppi and Béis are giving summer travel a punch of fruity flavor.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
At one point in the practice, then-Ravens wide receiver Tylan Wallace and then-Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forrest were tangled up after a play and threw what appeared to be punches.
—Adam Thompson, CBS News, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
-
First baseman Ashley Griffin slapped an RBI single into center field, scoring catcher Beth Damon, extending the lead to 5-1 and ending Braswell’s day.—
Matt Murschel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 May 2026
-
Firstman all but preemptively slapped an A24 logo on Club Kid, which doesn’t have distribution yet as of this writing, but his film really would fit into their stable of commercially friendly art flicks, down to its gooey heart.—
Alison Willmore,
Vulture,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Trailing 9-8 in the bottom of the ninth with two outs, senior centerfielder Blaise Heher drilled a double to left field that put him and junior shortstop Dillon Martin in scoring position.—
Edward Lee,
Baltimore Sun,
23 May 2026
-
Buehrle got drilled in the foot by a comebacker and the ball ricocheted into foul territory on the first-base side.—
Ryan Canfield,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Verb
-
The work is freelance and deadline-driven, with no salary, benefits, or job security.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 May 2026
-
Neto drove a 2-0 sinker 413 feet to center field, stunning Ginn and the A’s while ending a six-game losing streak for the Angels.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Garnacho has had far more opportunities and failed to make an impact.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
21 May 2026
-
As part of the hotel’s social-impact aims, the rattan icebox and garbage bins were crafted by Burmese artisans who work with Kalinko, a social enterprise that creates handmade, sustainable products using traditional techniques.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 May 2026
Noun
-
Paz began his term with vigor, reaching out to the international community to break the isolation that had characterized the MAS era.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 May 2026
-
Nina, Karen and Caroline started appearing in my daydreams, full of vigor and life lessons.—
Jennifer Acker,
PEOPLE,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
This year, the festival continued but took a blow, with officials postponing the Strawberry Stomp 5K and parade, which usually showcases community spirit and guest celebrities.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
24 May 2026
-
Meanwhile, Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker could come to blows and even affect the title match in one way or the other.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
An examination at the Lort Smith Animal Hospital discovered that the sky-diving cat only suffered a minor lung puncture in his free fall.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
21 May 2026
-
The authors found distinctive puncture marks, skeletal damage and dismemberment patterns, all of which were consistent with an apex predator that immobilizes prey through concentrated gripping force, rather than prolonged tearing or chewing.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
Andre Owens smacked three of Santa Margarita’s eight home runs in the game.—
Steve Fryer,
Oc Register,
18 May 2026
-
While Irwin is getting smacked around, two mobsters terrorize the boys in the car before kicking them out and driving off in it.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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