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
  • This fight carries immense stakes, with the loser potentially facing a significant setback in their career.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
  • From there on out, every story beat will be familiar to anyone who’s ever seen a come-from-behind underdog loser redemption movie.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 21 July 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • Acid hues aren't limited to athletic sneakers or flip flops any more—they're also now on the heels of elegant, tasteful women.
    — Renata Joffre, Glamour, 25 July 2026
  • Craig Gillespie, 108 minutes The James Gunn era of DC filmmaking took a huge hit with this flop, a movie that has barely made over $120 million, just over half of its likely budget.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 24 July 2026
Definition of flop
Noun
  • There are a few isolated showers this afternoon and evening, but not a washout, and nothing severe is expected.
    — Mary Ours, CBS News, 12 July 2026
  • While the day will not be a washout, residents should keep an umbrella handy for afternoon and evening activities.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 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 28 Jul. 2026.

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