1
as in slapping
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 drilling
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 punching
Miami's defense has struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone, allowing 27 points per game, but the offense has struggled just as much punching it in themselves, with the Dolphins only scoring 20 points per game, both of which rank in the bottom third of the league.
—
Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Videos shared on social media showed federal agents pinning a man to the ground and punching him in the head.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
In 2023, when video circulated of a police officer punching Christina Pierre, Jennings announced meetings with community leaders to rework policy.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
Her past was practically punching its way out of her.
—Natalia Paradies, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Ignore that muffled screaming in the distance, that’s just the TV overlords punching air.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
He is accused of punching Manhattan Democratic District Leader William Allen as the protest descended into chaos Friday afternoon, sources told the newspaper.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Too much landing thrust could burn into the regolith, punching a destabilizing hole in its loose surface.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
Graham, whose small portfolio is known for punching above its weight, has persevered through previous rounds of contraction.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Videos shared on social media showed federal agents pinning a man to the ground and punching him in the head.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
In 2023, when video circulated of a police officer punching Christina Pierre, Jennings announced meetings with community leaders to rework policy.
—Ryan Oehrli, Charlotte Observer, 31 Oct. 2025
Her past was practically punching its way out of her.
—Natalia Paradies, Rolling Stone, 31 Oct. 2025
Ignore that muffled screaming in the distance, that’s just the TV overlords punching air.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2025
He is accused of punching Manhattan Democratic District Leader William Allen as the protest descended into chaos Friday afternoon, sources told the newspaper.
—Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2025
Too much landing thrust could burn into the regolith, punching a destabilizing hole in its loose surface.
—Dan Vergano, Scientific American, 23 Oct. 2025
Graham, whose small portfolio is known for punching above its weight, has persevered through previous rounds of contraction.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punching
Verb
-
The van reaches home ground and no one talks and the only sound along that final stretch is El Camello slapping himself to scare away mosquitoes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
First, rather than slapping a latex mask and makeup on Schuster-Koloamatangi, performance capture technology is used to have Dek’s face come alive with the actor’s expressions.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Peterson didn’t disappoint either, drilling a top-10 Louisville team for 26 points on 15 shots, including six 3s in only 25 minutes, before sitting out Kansas’ second preseason game against Fort Hays.—
Sam Vecenie,
New York Times,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The decision on whether to open up the Arctic to further drilling should have been made by the Indigenous people of Alaska, Shea said.—
Julia Jacobo,
ABC News,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
While driving - Stick to the middle lanes and stay on elevated ground.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
After an incompletion on third down, McCashland’s 25-yard field goal attempt was no good, hitting the right upright with 17 seconds remaining in the half.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Ask piercing questions that shift the way the community thinks as Mercury aligns with Pluto.—
USA TODAY,
USA Today,
30 Oct. 2025
-
During The Real Housewives of Atlanta reunion, Eva turned heads with her glowing makeup, perfectly sculpted cheekbones, and piercing eyes.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Prior to October 2023, Israel had occupied both Gaza and the West Bank since 1967—the longest-running military occupation in modern history.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Nov. 2025
-
The country’s electoral commission said Hassan had won 98% of the votes in an election where several opposition politicians were barred from running, and many were arrested.—
Semafor Events,
semafor.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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An arrest warrant has been issued for a high school football player accused of intentionally smacking one of his opponents on the head at their game, according to investigators in North Florida.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
5 Nov. 2025
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In the season four premiere of Mayor of Kingstown, co-creators/writers Hugh Dillon and Taylor Sheridan waste no time smacking viewers with a sense of doom and gloom.—
Demetrius Patterson,
HollywoodReporter,
27 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Tonight, after poking the bear, this bear roared.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 Nov. 2025
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There are also dual Akrapvoic exhausts poking out the rear, framed by slim taillights.—
Abhimanyu Ghoshal,
New Atlas,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punching. Accessed 10 Nov. 2025.
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