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 Cubs’ reputation as lovable losers was well-earned after 37 years without a National League pennant and 74 years removed from their last World Series title.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Love should be a team effort, not a competition that produces winners and losers.
    — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • Seven years have passed since Cats, but the spectacular musical flop still makes Judi Dench cringe.
    — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Notable names in this batch include billionaire Mike Novogratz’s Galaxy and tokenization service Securitize, both of which have been public market flops, but not outright debacles.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of flop
Noun
  • Forty-three completed the workplace portion, wearing both the Bared Turtur and an ASOS Design Mary Jane Lottie for four weeks each, with a two-week washout period in between.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Heavy rain has already caused problems in the county, including a washout on County Road 500 late last month.
    — Jeff Todd, CBS News, 22 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Punching bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punching%20bag. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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