punching bag

Definition of punching bagnext

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 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punching bag
Noun
  • Killers, however, are practical and can’t stand losers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
  • More winners and losers are emerging as the first phase of restarting Venezuela’s oil industry takes shape.
    Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 13 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But thanks to some small wardrobe issues and then some bigger mic issues — and the biggest issue of it just not entirely connecting — the song was a flop.
    Samantha Highfill, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Mirren played Harrison Ford's wife in the film, which was a commercial flop.
    Diane J. Cho, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The route is washboarded and deeply rutted in several long stretches, as well as prone to washouts.
    Taryn Shorr-Mckee, Travel + Leisure, 28 Dec. 2025
  • When unusually heavy rainfall rendered that year a washout on the farming front, Sue got a job at Beth’s Farm Kitchen, a prominent jam and chutney maker nearby.
    Alexandra Kirkman, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Now the Dolphins were being called quitters and tankers -- players who had given up on their coaches, their season and themselves.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But Salah, who travelled several hours a day just to reach training as a youngster, is no quitter.
    Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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