as in emphasizing
to indicate the importance of by centering attention on
punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table
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Recent Examples of punctuating
The Broncos won Super Bowl 50, their Orange Rush punctuating one of the most impressive defensive seasons in NFL history.
—
Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Allison Williams gave a sharp, high-gloss finish to a monochrome look in New York on Thursday, punctuating her professional polish outfit with Gianvito Rossi’s Cara slingback pumps.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
On the 2-on-1, Harris kept it for himself and beat Jonas Johansson to the shortside, punctuating the goal by bouncing off the glass over the end boards.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Rookie kicker Andres Borregales drilled the game-winning kick in Buffalo with plenty of room to spare, punctuating a strong game from the special teams group.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Enormous glowing planets hung overhead; others were installed at ground level, punctuating the venue’s gleaming black floor.
—Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
But the noises punctuating the downtown Fort Worth soundscape these days are causing consternation for De La Torre and his neighbors.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
October ushers in vibrant, changing fall colors with bursts of orange, red and yellow punctuating the dense forest.
—Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
His onstage movement is pretty minimal, with a great backing band and stage effects punctuating the highlights for him.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 19 Oct. 2025
Allison Williams gave a sharp, high-gloss finish to a monochrome look in New York on Thursday, punctuating her professional polish outfit with Gianvito Rossi’s Cara slingback pumps.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
On the 2-on-1, Harris kept it for himself and beat Jonas Johansson to the shortside, punctuating the goal by bouncing off the glass over the end boards.
—Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 13 Oct. 2025
Rookie kicker Andres Borregales drilled the game-winning kick in Buffalo with plenty of room to spare, punctuating a strong game from the special teams group.
—Chad Graff, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
Enormous glowing planets hung overhead; others were installed at ground level, punctuating the venue’s gleaming black floor.
—Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2025
But the noises punctuating the downtown Fort Worth soundscape these days are causing consternation for De La Torre and his neighbors.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
October ushers in vibrant, changing fall colors with bursts of orange, red and yellow punctuating the dense forest.
—Nora Heston Tarte, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
His onstage movement is pretty minimal, with a great backing band and stage effects punctuating the highlights for him.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 24 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctuating
Verb
-
If successful, the city shouldn’t have any violations of the irrigation ordnance by this time next year, Harder said, emphasizing the cutoffs would only be for irrigation, not indoor usage.—
Harrison Mantas,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Despite spending heavily to restore the mansion, Bloomberg chose to live in his Upper East Side townhouse, emphasizing the mansion’s role as a venue for municipal events, meetings with foreign dignitaries, and public tours rather than as a personal residence.—
Nandika Chatterjee,
Time,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The show debuted on May 9, 2024, and has been praised for its engaging storyline and strong performances, particularly highlighting the dynamics of class and privilege within a prestigious school setting.—
Sophie Hanson,
StyleCaster,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The end of year signals holiday cheer, festive feasts and of course, the yearly return of Spotify Wrapped — the streaming platform's annual review highlighting users' listening habits for the year.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
All that's missing is stressing over when to put it in the oven.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Oh gosh, why is this stressing me out?—
Julie Jordan,
PEOPLE,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Fujian is China’s third and most advanced aircraft carrier, featuring electromagnetic catapults that can launch three aircraft types, according to Chinese state media.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The retailer dropped the Rare DNM Edit Holiday Collection, a line of jackets and jeans featuring statement embellishments and details befitting holiday parties and festive events.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punctuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctuating. Accessed 13 Nov. 2025.
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