1
as in to pierce
to make a hole or series of holes in
a nail punctured the tire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
I could never puncture my own skin with a hypodermic needle
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 puncture
Brianna Taylor, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, high-wear areas—like the pack bottom and dorsal panels—feature a puncture-resistant 420-denier HD Nylon.
—Corey Buhay, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026
Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Production quirks like volume and pitch changes, multiple beat switches, brash sonic redirections punctuated by everything from samples of glass shattering to synth stabs puncturing through sheaths of filters, make for a kind of chaotic symphony that feels deliriously of the moment.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puncture
Noun
Rattlesnake bite symptoms include puncture wounds, swelling, bleeding, pain, agitation or depression, according to UC Davis.
—Brianna Taylor, Sacbee.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Meanwhile, high-wear areas—like the pack bottom and dorsal panels—feature a puncture-resistant 420-denier HD Nylon.
—Corey Buhay, Outside, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Black used the hatchet to damage the vehicle and punctured the tires with a knife, documents said.
—Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 25 Mar. 2026
Production quirks like volume and pitch changes, multiple beat switches, brash sonic redirections punctuated by everything from samples of glass shattering to synth stabs puncturing through sheaths of filters, make for a kind of chaotic symphony that feels deliriously of the moment.
—Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puncture
Verb
-
The couple’s 3-year-old son was grazed in the back by the bullet that pierced Kaori’s skull, police and witnesses said.—
Emma Seiwell,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
This should result in a sharper edge that can pierce things like tomato skin more easily.—
Jesse Raub,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The teen was involved in an argument when his adversary stabbed him multiple times with a knife, said police.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Police allege the suspect then recklessly stabbed backward numerous times, striking the victim in the leg, according to Jaques.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
30 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Simple, pack-a-punch drinks such as Zouzou and Nirvana are bound to tempt anyone with a penchant for unique spirits such as eau de vie (aquavit) and cachaça.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Our expert take The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card packs a punch for a $95 annual fee card, offering annual travel credits, comprehensive travel protections and more.—
Jason Stauffer,
CNBC,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the summer of 1969, less than six months after the spill, several additional wells were drilled from Platform A.—
Jeffrey Marlow,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Semien drilled a two-run homer to center off Mahle in the fourth.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The original stickers — the ones jabbing at Biden — started appearing in 2021.—
Frank Witsil,
Freep.com,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Donald Trump‘s effort today to praise his new Homeland Security Secretary and defend him from Jimmy Kimmel‘s jabs kind of backfired.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
26 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Both women occasionally smiled through their tears, telegraphing poise and control more than an overflowing inner joy.—
Vinson Cunningham,
New Yorker,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Many in the courtroom, including members of Corder’s family, could be seen attempting to hold back tears.—
Chris Ramirez,
jsonline.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
And time is running out before teams begin poking and prodding at the puzzle, trying to find ways to break it apart.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Finding shooters in the corner, using Oldacre and Cunningham or the open person can be a way for Texas to poke holes in Michigan's defense.—
Zoe Collins Rath,
Austin American Statesman,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The next Kiki Rice will pick a different program to bring to its first Final Four and championship game.—
Sabreena Merchant,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
-
The former four-star recruit from Atlanta picked KU over Georgia Tech, Auburn, Indiana and others in his original recruitment.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
6 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puncture. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
