1
as in slapped
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
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2
as in drilled
to make a hole or series of holes in
punch a ticket
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of punched
In response, Delaware last March passed a law to make the state more alluring, to which Texas quickly counter-punched with an even friendlier law.
—
Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
The woman punched the air with her umbrella.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Japan has punched above its weight on the global cultural stage for generations, but Hollywood studios have long regarded the country as one of the world’s most challenging places to shoot.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
Underwood was referring to his red-zone interception late in the first half and his third-quarter fumble when Purdue punched the ball out of his hands a few strides from the end zone.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Phoenix police have offered two accounts of what happened the night a pair of off-duty officers stood by as a man was fatally punched outside a downtown club.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
On the rooftop, Volk and another man approached the 23-year-old, who then punched Volk.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 27 Oct. 2025
He was kept for days, where he was punched, slapped and kicked.
—Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
The group punched and hit the employee repeatedly, banged on the car and pulled on the doors demanding the vehicle, according to prosecutors.
—Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Geoff Colvin, Fortune, 7 Nov. 2025
The woman punched the air with her umbrella.
—George Packer, The Atlantic, 6 Nov. 2025
Japan has punched above its weight on the global cultural stage for generations, but Hollywood studios have long regarded the country as one of the world’s most challenging places to shoot.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2025
Underwood was referring to his red-zone interception late in the first half and his third-quarter fumble when Purdue punched the ball out of his hands a few strides from the end zone.
—Austin Meek, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025
Phoenix police have offered two accounts of what happened the night a pair of off-duty officers stood by as a man was fatally punched outside a downtown club.
—Lorenzino Estrada, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
On the rooftop, Volk and another man approached the 23-year-old, who then punched Volk.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 27 Oct. 2025
He was kept for days, where he was punched, slapped and kicked.
—Omar Jimenez, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2025
The group punched and hit the employee repeatedly, banged on the car and pulled on the doors demanding the vehicle, according to prosecutors.
—Jennifer Rodriguez, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punched
Verb
-
After Zelina Vega slapped Rhodes, Aldis booked a non-title match between Rhodes and Black for the main event.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
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The elder Ciattarelli slapped his forward with his right hand as his son, dressed in camouflage fatigues, approached for a hug.—
Bart Jansen,
USA Today,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Kicker Kyson Scott drilled it, giving Lake Ridge a 38-20 lead at halftime.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Rustin drilled Selva one last time on complex equations and imperial history.—
George Packer,
The Atlantic,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The suspect, who has not been publicly identified, was said to have intentionally drove into bicycle lanes to strike some of the cyclists, said Christophe Sueur, the mayor of Saint-Pierre d'Oleron.—
Tom Soufi Burridge,
ABC News,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Periodically, one or two cars drove up for a box of food, but otherwise, all was quiet.—
Silas Allen,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But, every once in a while, I’ll get smacked in the face by one.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
-
With that, Kirk smacked a grounder to shortstop Mookie Betts who stepped on second base, throwing to Freeman at first for the final two outs.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Ade stood over his bride, deeply concerned, when a lively drum roll pierced the air.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Consuelos discussed an increase in mosquitos while a buzzing noise pierced the air.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Both have spent heavily in the transfer market this year — City around £180million in January and a further £220m in the summer, Liverpool just short of £450m this summer — but very few of the incoming players have hit the ground running.—
Oliver Kay,
New York Times,
8 Nov. 2025
-
The venue will run limited weekday hours, with longer sessions on weekends.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The campaign touted 3 million doors knocked and 90,000 volunteers.—
Eduardo Cuevas,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The Lancers remained patient, chipping away until taking a 17-16 lead after three straight OLP errors, including Prior and Charlotte Wickstrand colliding on a ball, which knocked Wickstrand out for the set.—
Tim Meehan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Whoopi Goldberg, Emily Blunt and Natasha Lyonne were among the stars expressing their outrage, while Ryan Reynolds poked fun at Tilly in his new Mint Mobile ad.—
Diana Lodderhose,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
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Low branches poked at the roof of our boat and brushed our arms.—
Idra Novey,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punched. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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