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
  • Anthropic has already launched products for law firms and design firms; the primary losers there are software companies that hawk those services, like Harvey (law) and Figma (design).
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 9 July 2026
  • The blue team needs to claw back some self-respect and reassure voters that they aren’t being asked to back a bunch of losers.
    — Michelle Cottle, Mercury News, 9 July 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • To encourage an alternative to beach resorts and fly-and-flop tourism, Grenada is also investing in yachting, dive tourism and adventure travel.
    — Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Arguably, these were money-losing vehicles that, by many, are viewed as a flop and false start.
    — Joel Feder, The Drive, 9 July 2026
Definition of flop
Noun
  • 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
  • Overnight rainfall coupled with the arrival of storms Saturday means the region could see a washout.
    — Kendrick Calfee June 13, Kansas City Star, 13 June 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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punching bag
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Cite this Entry

“Punching bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punching%20bag. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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