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
-
Mimicking what happened seven years earlier after the Dallas playoff win in Charlotte, the players ran back outside and took a lap around the stadium, slapping hands with delirious home fans.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
-
That means not just the sound of rubber slapping the pavement or the whir of electric motors—the soundtrack of a Formula E race—but something new and artificial or, more generously, bespoke.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
15 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Energy experts say this trend shows how sharply the US and China are diverging on the energy transition, with China sprinting far ahead on renewables and EVs, while the US doubles down on drilling oil at home and abroad.—
Ella Nilsen,
CNN Money,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Cherry tallied five points in the opening stanza, drilling a last-second three-pointer as the Lancers closed the frame with a 13-7 lead.—
Brendan Connelly,
Boston Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
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
-
When the sun goes down, three beams of light will illuminate the sky over the town that was, piercing the darkness that this time last year was lit with the unholy glow of a fire raging, with no end in sight.—
Dana Goodyear,
New Yorker,
7 Jan. 2026
-
In addition to a new piercing placement, North also wore one of her new Christmas presents, a 106-carat diamond skull pendant that was gifted by mom Kardashian, 45.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Mayor Armin Mizani, who is running for Texas House District 98, had sought to make Keller the first city in the nation to codify a ban on Islam’s legal system.—
Fousia Abdullahi,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Jan. 2026
-
DeRozan received the pass, took one dribble and tried a running 29-foot 3-pointer that clanked off the back rim and the Kings lost, 100-98.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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And the good vibes of those wins quickly dissolved with Toronto smacking them around in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Malika was now smacking the rug in rhythm.—
Joan Silber,
New Yorker,
30 Nov. 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 11 Jan. 2026.
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