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punching bag

noun

Definition of punching bagnext
as in loser

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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 punching bag Netflix 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 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 The robotic punching bag recognizes and escapes your strikes, swelling both strength and velocity of your punches. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for punching bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punching bag
  1. loser
  2. flop
  3. washout
  4. quitter
Noun
  • The winner will emerge feeling optimistic about its chances of making a run in the Big 12, while the loser may need to recalibrate expectations for the rest of the season.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026
  • Olivia Miles scored 20 points to lead Minnesota, losers of three straight.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • Or, for that matter, whether the grandfather of the Reality-Vigilante-TV Industrial Complex ever felt the level of fear and self-loathing that radiates off Pattinson’s human-flop-sweat of a portrayal.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Allowing older growth to flop would hold too much moisture around the crown over the winter.
    — Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of flop
Noun
  • Showers and storms return for part of the weekend, but it's not expected to be a washout.
    — Rachael Jay, CBS News, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Amy and Rosie are intensely appealing women, yet their lives with men have been a washout.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of washout
Noun
  • Some critics showed little sympathy, describing her as a quitter.
    — Scott Parrott, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
  • My cat, Boris, is not a quitter.
    — Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of quitter

Browse Nearby Words

punching
punching bag
punching bags
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Cite this Entry

“Punching bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punching%20bag. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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