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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 punctuating
Delivered with an ease that flirts with comedy, it can be taken as humor punctuating drama.
—
Jp Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
There were no laughs, with the audience remaining silent and punctuating parts of Kimmel’s speech with a big applause.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
Carpenter accessorized with peep-toe mules, punctuating her look with her signature blonde curls.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026
By the 2008-09 season, Crosby and the Penguins were Stanley Cup champions, punctuating one of the fastest rebuilds in modern hockey history.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The landscaping throughout the property is fitting for the locale, with select cacti and succulents punctuating pathways.
—Kristine Thomason, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
The Drop Heel is a bold accent and is a new signature for Jimmy Choo, punctuating a wide range of their latest styles from pumps and sandals to boots.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025
Even without gimmicks, shooting never feels like an afterthought, with tense firefights punctuating methodical exploration.
—PC Magazine, 2 Dec. 2025
Zoeller triumphed in a sudden‑death playoff against Tom Watson and Ed Sneed, punctuating the victory with his trademark flair.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
Jp Mangalindan, Time, 27 Jan. 2026
There were no laughs, with the audience remaining silent and punctuating parts of Kimmel’s speech with a big applause.
—Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
Carpenter accessorized with peep-toe mules, punctuating her look with her signature blonde curls.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 19 Jan. 2026
By the 2008-09 season, Crosby and the Penguins were Stanley Cup champions, punctuating one of the fastest rebuilds in modern hockey history.
—Devon Henderson, New York Times, 14 Jan. 2026
The landscaping throughout the property is fitting for the locale, with select cacti and succulents punctuating pathways.
—Kristine Thomason, Outside, 11 Jan. 2026
The Drop Heel is a bold accent and is a new signature for Jimmy Choo, punctuating a wide range of their latest styles from pumps and sandals to boots.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025
Even without gimmicks, shooting never feels like an afterthought, with tense firefights punctuating methodical exploration.
—PC Magazine, 2 Dec. 2025
Zoeller triumphed in a sudden‑death playoff against Tom Watson and Ed Sneed, punctuating the victory with his trademark flair.
—MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punctuating
Verb
-
An evening revue of wild, uncouth performance art by local artists, emphasizing work that is often discouraged elsewhere.—
Kirby Adams,
Louisville Courier Journal,
29 Jan. 2026
-
To that end, Murphy invoked Rule 38 while emphasizing that she was offended by Durkan’s remark about her lack of preparation for the meeting.—
Gayla Cawley,
Boston Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fowlescombe is all about highlighting local talent.—
Joanne Shurvell,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
-
At trial, Smock presents a CT scan highlighting Kevin's injuries, the multiple fractures to his head.—
Peter Van Sant,
CBS News,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The changes are affecting routes to Israel, parts of the GCC, and Jordan, with airlines stressing that the measures are precautionary and subject to constant operational review.—
Hana Al-Khodairi,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Jan. 2026
-
In both instances, Copenhagen and the Greenlandic government in its capital Nuuk responded by expressing openness to further collaboration, stressing the importance of sovereignty and dispatching a high-level delegation for talks in Washington.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Curated by Arens and featuring poster art of Grammy winners, the exhibition is set to open Friday, two days before the 2026 Grammys descend on the city, and just in time to welcome plenty of visiting celebrity faces to the gallery’s third-ever event.—
Lina Lecaro,
Los Angeles Times,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Nonetheless, Madonna added another slide featuring the cover of Styles’ upcoming album Kiss All the Time.—
Denise Warner,
Billboard,
28 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Punctuating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punctuating. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
