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
  • The public and private markets have decided that infrastructure companies and the top model developers are the AI winners, while software companies are the likely losers, regardless of how strong their businesses may look today.
    Jordan Novet, CNBC, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Investors are starting to pick AI winners and losers.
    John Kell, Fortune, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The company hasn’t launched a fully new model since its Cybertruck in late 2023, which turned out to be a massive flop.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 5 Feb. 2026
  • But the company also notched some notable flops.
    Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • If concerned about that gap, then nibble here and wait for that potential washout to add.
    Jay Woods, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Expectations going up after two straight Playoff washouts.
    Jason Kirk, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For every 1,000 people trying to quit, using an app resulted in roughly 40 more successful quitters than receiving basic advice or no help at all.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Jan. 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Punching bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punching%20bag. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.

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