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
The group in the other vehicle surround Martinez between the two vehicles, with two people repeatedly punching her while a third person pulls her legs, taking her to the ground.
—
Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
According to Hallman, Forrest-Stitt responded by allegedly assaulting him, punching him in the chest, hitting his mouth, and causing injuries, including a busted lip and a painful bicep injury.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Advertisement In 2022, a woman filed for a restraining order against Sweeting, accusing her of punching her repeatedly in the head and kicking her in the chest.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
The machines offer the option for a purchaser to make a donation covering everything in the machine by punching the number 7 button three times, event organizers said.
—Doug Thompson, arkansasonline.com, 6 Dec. 2024
During an interview with detectives, Lambeth admitted to punching, stomping and strangling Howells, court documents stated.
—Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024
The fight was a good scrap between two of the hardest-punching women in combat sports, but Cyborg’s game was a bit more well-rounded.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
In the arrest video, officer Benjamin Harris was seen jumping out of his vehicle and punching McAlpin as officer Kyle Sue rushed over.
—Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 17 Oct. 2024
The viral clip shows the man wearing the Ravens jersey kicking one of the men wearing a Commanders jersey in his side before punching him in the face.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024
Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024
According to Hallman, Forrest-Stitt responded by allegedly assaulting him, punching him in the chest, hitting his mouth, and causing injuries, including a busted lip and a painful bicep injury.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024
Advertisement In 2022, a woman filed for a restraining order against Sweeting, accusing her of punching her repeatedly in the head and kicking her in the chest.
—Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times, 11 Dec. 2024
The machines offer the option for a purchaser to make a donation covering everything in the machine by punching the number 7 button three times, event organizers said.
—Doug Thompson, arkansasonline.com, 6 Dec. 2024
During an interview with detectives, Lambeth admitted to punching, stomping and strangling Howells, court documents stated.
—Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 6 Dec. 2024
The fight was a good scrap between two of the hardest-punching women in combat sports, but Cyborg’s game was a bit more well-rounded.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes, 19 Oct. 2024
In the arrest video, officer Benjamin Harris was seen jumping out of his vehicle and punching McAlpin as officer Kyle Sue rushed over.
—Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 17 Oct. 2024
The viral clip shows the man wearing the Ravens jersey kicking one of the men wearing a Commanders jersey in his side before punching him in the face.
—Rebecca Cohen, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punching
Verb
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By forcing his posts to the top of feeds, elevating like-minded voices, and driving critics off the platform, Musk revealed the raw power of ownership.—
Jackie Snow,
Quartz,
14 Apr. 2025
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So what’s driving the need for these changes?—
Melissa Cristina Márquez,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The first season of Severance was a kettle on a flame, hitting its boiling point around Episode 7, and then just boiling over for the final three episodes.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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But instead of stopping, Burnett tried to drive away, hitting a tow truck in the process, police said.—
Natalie Demaree,
Miami Herald,
31 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Justin previously debuted a nostril piercing almost a decade ago with an Instagram selfie in 2016, according to outlets Cosmopolitan and Refinery29.—
Michelle Lee,
People.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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There was something stark and piercing in me that was much closer to clarity than to muddle, but calling it a muddle took less effort.—
Yiyun Li,
The New Yorker,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Enlist the help of a running coach.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Dec. 2024
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Penn State reaffirmed that belief by dismantling SMU and running the ball well against one of the best run defenses in the country.—
Justin Williams,
The Athletic,
31 Dec. 2024
Verb
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On Wednesday, March 19, the couple filmed an Instagram Reel poking fun at their recent red carpet interview with Extra at the grand re-opening of Planet Hollywood in NYC on Tuesday, March 11.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
20 Mar. 2025
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Generally, a plant whose roots are poking out will be completely root-bound.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
24 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Hundreds of drones being used as part of a Saturday night aerial light show in Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando appeared to be flying into position before several started falling from the sky before slamming to the ground, according to videos posted online.—
Louis Casiano,
Fox News,
23 Dec. 2024
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His endorsement of the AfD came alongside a video of a far-right German commentator slamming the leading candidate to become Germany’s next chancellor, the conservative Friedrich Merz.—
Laura Kelly,
The Hill,
20 Dec. 2024
Verb
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Union also can be seen clapping beside them.—
Emma Aerin Becker,
People.com,
25 Dec. 2024
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Takeaways As some players danced to the music playing in the background, Davis was clapping and talking excitedly to his charges.—
Vic Tafur,
The Athletic,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
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But the unhappy ending is especially head-pounding for Saxon Ratliff (Patrick Schwarzenegger).—
Bryan Alexander,
USA TODAY,
24 Mar. 2025
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Queen finished with a team-best 17 points, but Maryland frequently settled for outside jumpers instead of pounding the ball inside to Queen and Julian Reese.—
Lindsay Schnell,
The Athletic,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punching. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
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