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 country doesn’t have answers that don’t involve upskilling, education, or trying and failing to compensate the losers.
    Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 18 Feb. 2026
  • There were no winners or losers, at least in the typical uses of the terms, and at the end of the night, people continued with friendly conversation, well after the game had ended.
    Jeff Banowetz, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The Perez Family was a critical and commercial flop.
    Rebecca Traister, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Everyone wants credit for a hit; for a flop, not so much.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • There is no major washout or concern for burn scar areas.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026
  • This comes amid a debate on the right over what themes to stress to avoid a GOP washout in November.
    The Wall Street Journal, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 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 20 Feb. 2026.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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