as in licked
to strike repeatedly
you should take a course in anger management—you can't go around punching out people
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 punched out
The mass of players converged in a pile after the snap, and as Arnold leaned across the goal line, Georgia linebacker CJ Allen punched out the football.
—
Seth Emerson, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Then, Rams running back Kyren Williams fumbled on his way to the end zone, the ball literally punched out just feet away from scoring a go-ahead touchdown.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2025
He's punched out 84 batters and allowed only 58 hits.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
The late, great Red Sox legend Luis Tiant also punched out 11 in his MLB debut, but with Cleveland on July 19, 1964; his performance was exactly four years after Hall of Famer Juan Marichal racked up 12 in his first career game on July 19, 1960.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Seth Emerson, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025
Then, Rams running back Kyren Williams fumbled on his way to the end zone, the ball literally punched out just feet away from scoring a go-ahead touchdown.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 3 Oct. 2025
He's punched out 84 batters and allowed only 58 hits.
—Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Sep. 2025
The late, great Red Sox legend Luis Tiant also punched out 11 in his MLB debut, but with Cleveland on July 19, 1964; his performance was exactly four years after Hall of Famer Juan Marichal racked up 12 in his first career game on July 19, 1960.
—Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 10 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punched out
Verb
-
Some even licked the candy to soften it -- a trick used by contestants in the show.—
Hakyung Kate Lee,
ABC News,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Napkins were crumpled; plates were licked.—
Helen Shaw,
New Yorker,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The swing-first Toronto hitters have pounded the strike-first Seattle pitchers.—
Tyler Kepner,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
-
Heavy rain pounded an area from the Carolinas to Massachusetts on Sunday afternoon, bringing reports of coastal flooding and hundreds of flight delays.—
Mirna Alsharif,
NBC news,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In a post-draft interview on the Bills’ flagship radio station WGR 550-AM, Beane lashed out at the hosts for criticizing his lack of attention to wide receiver throughout the offseason.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
Andy lashed the feet tightly and then grabbed the loose end of the rope.—
Bob Cary,
Outdoor Life,
15 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Harrison's head whipped back and slammed into the turf at Lucas Oil Stadium.—
Matt Audilet,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Oct. 2025
-
One popular use is a classic Cream Cheese Frosting, which needs to be whipped to perfection.—
Abigail Wilt,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Fall boating can mean peaceful days on Arkansas' large reservoirs while many hunters begin to hit the woods instead of the water.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Oct. 2025
-
Apple’s iPhone surge Shares of Apple surged 4% to hit a new record on Monday after a report of surprisingly strong sales of its new iPhone 17.—
Nicholas Gordon,
Fortune,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Dale Ellis covers the federal courthouse beat for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, reporting on criminal and civil matters that impact Arkansans.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Michele Di Gregorio made a stunning double save and was only beaten when a Vinicius Junior shot came back off the post and Jude Bellingham reacted quicker to it than Lloyd Kelly.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Her husband knocked frames down and fixed the walls, while Donaldson took on taping, filling, sanding and painting.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Reigning defensive player of the year Pat Surtain II allowed almost nothing once again on the day and calmly knocked a ball away from Wilson when Fields finally looked his way.—
Parker Gabriel,
Denver Post,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Before taking on the captaincy, Cummins was used primarily as a strike bowler — a fast, hostile spearhead who attacked in bursts.—
Sukhman Singh,
New York Times,
19 Oct. 2025
-
This Abel Ferrara cult classic follows a mute seamstress who goes on a revenge rampage after being attacked twice in one day on the streets of New York.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
19 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punched out.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punched%20out. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share