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
Running back Wyatt Davis also packs a punch for the Eagles, rushing for 130 yards on 18 carries against Duncanville. — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Sep. 2026 This Marshall Tufton speaker packs a big punch thanks to its three-way sound design. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 17 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
  • Penix tried a similar process in Week 1, going through agility and movement drills to see how his knee reacted.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Youngquist has drilled large-diameter boreholes to depths exceeding 8,000 feet.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Its onboard offerings, wide array of itineraries and shore excursions—particularly those that are food and wine-driven—easily combine education, adventure, and good fun.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • The real Johnny Drama stayed at your house for months, and one of the others drove your kids to school.
    — Lane Brown, Vulture, 23 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
  • 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
  • Garden mum expert QiuXia Chen explains that the differences between potted mums and garden mums relate to their flower size, branching, flowering times, plant habit, and vigor.
    — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • That blow came a little less than a year after the New York Times shook up its culture desk and reassigned its classical music critic, Zachary Woolfe, to serve as the obituaries editor.
    — Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The blow caused a minor skull fracture and a gash that required three stitches to close.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 25 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on punch

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster