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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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Though the stretch is no longer overflowing with sewage, there’s still a foul stench in the air and a constant din of construction work along the path where residents typically ride their bikes, take walks and launch their canoes.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
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Over the coming years, a team of 57 scientists and local guides explored all the major rivers and tributaries of the Okavango Delta, traversing this vast landscape in dugout canoes, on motorbikes, on foot, and in armored vehicles.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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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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And fire ants use their waxy, water-repellent coating and textured exoskeletons to trap air; during floods, thousands cling together to make buoyant, living rafts that can survive 12 days and possibly longer.—
Deni Ellis Béchard,
Scientific American,
3 Feb. 2026
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They can be linked together to form rafts or floating platforms.—
Alex Knapp,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As America's Next Top Model was winding down, Banks pivoted to ABC for hosting gigs on America's Got Talent (2017–2018) and Dancing With the Stars (2020).—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
17 Feb. 2026
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Bingham rang up the Gents again, for one-off gigs at Stagecoach, the Two Step Inn festival, and some National Finals Rodeo appearances in Las Vegas.—
Josh Crutchmer,
Rolling Stone,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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But those were mere skiffs by comparison with the general-entertainment battleships.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 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 22 Feb. 2026.
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