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 punching bagNetflix has been a favourite punching bag for many in the French industry who blame declining box office on the rise of online viewing.—Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2022 Maybe my knee-jerk reaction just proved a key Harry & Meghan point: The Duchess of Sussex makes for an easy punching bag.—Kristen Baldwin and Darren Franich, EW.com, 14 Dec. 2022 This 205-pound heavyweight punching bag is a #1 best-seller on Amazon.—John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Nov. 2022 Social media, often a punching bag here, took more hits this year.—Rob Pegoraro, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2022 See All Example Sentences for punching bag
The Wanderers, three-time A-League Grand Final losers but AFC Champions League winners in 2014, are still smarting after being knocked out of last season’s Finals series by eventual finalists Melbourne Victory.
—
Jack Bantock,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
As the former Pentagon Papers whistleblower relates, all of us will be losers; sobering words that remain a catalyst for change.
Hocus Pocus was considered a flop for Disney until annual rewatches around this time of year helped turn it into a cult classic.
—
Gwen Ihnat,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Oct. 2025
Tron’s flop comes one week after The Smashing Machine underdelivered to the tune of a $6 million opening; condolences to the 133 of you who splurged on both.
Share