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
  • But various companies over the years have drilled and explored the site, building evidence that the mine still has lots to offer.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The company is drilling toward rock measuring 750°F (400°C), where each well could deliver up to 10 times the power of a conventional geothermal well operating at 390°F (200°C).
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 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 financial cost is just one measure of the impact of the Iran war, which also is affecting oil prices and the stock market and has led to deaths and injuries of American troops.
    — Ben Finley, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Established in 2006, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to protect the environment and promote sustainable development by limiting climate impacts and promoting renewable energy sources.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 18 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
  • If last year’s bill delays were a blow to budgets, distribution troubles were the uppercut.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 20 Sep. 2026
  • While often associated with blows to the head during contact sports, concussions are common at all ages.
    — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 20 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The city’s medical examiner later determined that a puncture wound found in the woman’s back caused her death, which was ruled a homicide.
    — Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • As blood gushed from deep puncture wounds on his torso and limbs, Singh fought to get away from his attacker.
    — Gagandeep Singh, Sacbee.com, 17 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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