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 selling in recent days, however, has intensified on worries about the AI trade, making the likes of Micron among our biggest losers week-to-date and defensives such as Cardinal Health among our biggest weekly winners.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Progress in the competition awaits the winner, exit for the loser.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • Thus, no sooner was Digger declared one of the biggest flops of all time than the reclamation project got underway.
    — Nate Jones, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Affleck has weathered his own box office flops over the course of his decades-long career.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of flop
Noun
  • Friday won't necessarily be a complete washout, but there could be several periods of rain, particularly during the afternoon.
    — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Still some lingering light rain and breezy conditions across parts of the Northeast for tomorrow morning, but not a washout for most.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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