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Recent Examples of punts
Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Jan. 2026
Miami punts The Hurricanes once again got past midfield, but Carson Beck was then sacked on back-to-back plays to force a Miami punt.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Five punts and a turnover on downs, coming on the fake punt.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
Six punts have been returned for a touchdown — a dramatic spike considering that the league saw only six touchdowns scored off punt returns all of last season.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
During his collegiate career, the speedy 5-foot-10 receiver returned two punts for touchdowns and led the ACC in punts returned and punt return yards.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Perich had 502 return yards last season (314 on kicks, 188 on punts) and his 60-yard punt return helped the Gophers stake a fourth-quarter comeback in a close loss to Michigan in September.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
On previous punts in the game, the Panthers had not been as aggressive in trying to block the punt, the edge rusher taking two steps before turning around to block for the returner.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Jan. 2026
Miami punts The Hurricanes once again got past midfield, but Carson Beck was then sacked on back-to-back plays to force a Miami punt.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Five punts and a turnover on downs, coming on the fake punt.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
Six punts have been returned for a touchdown — a dramatic spike considering that the league saw only six touchdowns scored off punt returns all of last season.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
During his collegiate career, the speedy 5-foot-10 receiver returned two punts for touchdowns and led the ACC in punts returned and punt return yards.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Perich had 502 return yards last season (314 on kicks, 188 on punts) and his 60-yard punt return helped the Gophers stake a fourth-quarter comeback in a close loss to Michigan in September.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punts
Noun
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The Kayak Point name derives from a small area being carved out to launch a potential access point on Salt Creek for kayaks and canoes.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
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Adapted from Native American dugout vessels, log canoes were made to suit fishermen who relied on speed to receive the best pay for their catches.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
15 May 2026
Noun
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At age 69, Lynn Ianni is a pickleball whiz, zipping from dinks to drives energetically.—
Graham Kates,
CBS News,
9 Mar. 2026
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Hayden Patriquin at times is a literal sorcerer on the court, hitting impossible half volleys and dinks from angles that are unhittable.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The United States charged Castro with conspiring to kill Americans in an attack against civilian pilots who were trying to rescue people fleeing Cuba on rafts, acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced at a Wednesday news conference.—
Francesca Chambers,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
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The organization had become well known across South Florida for flying missions over the Florida Straits searching for Cubans attempting to flee the island on makeshift rafts and boats.—
Hank Tester,
CBS News,
20 May 2026
Noun
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Etienne was a bit lackluster in both return gigs last year, so maybe Dillon could be some competition on kickoffs.—
Mike Kaye
Updated May 20,
Charlotte Observer,
20 May 2026
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Other bands like the Talking Heads, the Weirdos, the Heartbreakers, Television, and Richard Hell and the Voidoids appear on ads for gigs at legendary venues including CBGB and Max’s Kansas City.—
Siran Babayan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
Noun
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The same skiffs also take you to nearby lakes for a spot of swimming or piranha fishing; and on visits to remote villages.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
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In addition to the impeccable service, fine dining, and luxury accommodations, one constant was our daily sightings of pink dolphins that would play around the boat and our skiffs during our four-night sailing.—
Jeri Clausing,
AFAR Media,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Golden mussels clog the thruster and decorate the underside of his dinghies.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
6 Nov. 2025
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Dozens have died in recent years trying to cross one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes in overcrowded dinghies.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punts. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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