as in slapping
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
he smacked the punching bag one final time before heading to the showers
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of smacking
Really, there’s only one character onstage who commands an audience’s attention, and that’s Hines’ gum-smacking sister-in-law, who turns from antagonist to supporter.
—
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Cal Raleigh tied Mickey Mantle for most home runs in one season for a switch hitter after smacking his 54th dinger yesterday.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Troy Dye replaced Perryman, smacking Mahomes with a pair of solid hits on scrambles, and is likely to fill in again if Perryman can’t play.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
In the middle, a president who promised to put both conflicts to bed – and whose talk of a Nobel Peace Prize is smacking up against the reality of the Gaza and Ukraine wars.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Montgomery gave the White Sox a 3-1 lead, smacking a two-run single to right field.
—Field Level Media, Reuters, 12 Aug. 2025
Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
Cal Raleigh tied Mickey Mantle for most home runs in one season for a switch hitter after smacking his 54th dinger yesterday.
—Chris Branch, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Troy Dye replaced Perryman, smacking Mahomes with a pair of solid hits on scrambles, and is likely to fill in again if Perryman can’t play.
—Elliott Teaford, Oc Register, 12 Sep. 2025
In the middle, a president who promised to put both conflicts to bed – and whose talk of a Nobel Peace Prize is smacking up against the reality of the Gaza and Ukraine wars.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
Montgomery gave the White Sox a 3-1 lead, smacking a two-run single to right field.
—Field Level Media, Reuters, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smacking
Verb
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Then, Lukes came through for Toronto once again, slapping a single into left field to cash both runs.—
The Athletic MLB Staff,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
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Lawrence attempted to go over the pile on a fourth-down snap from the 1-yard line, but Bolton greeted him there, slapping the ball away and forcing a fumble inches before the ball reached the line.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
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Fanning flatlines when left to be a solo show as Bertino whacks her around like a pinball, hitting big, loud scares that seem to keep resetting.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Oct. 2025
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After being discovered, the woman shoves Lo's head into the wall, knocking her unconscious, and locks her away in a storage room deep within the yacht.—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Israel, meanwhile, has emerged from the war in a much stronger security position after decimating Hamas in Gaza, slamming Hezbollah in Lebanon, and hammering Iran's nuclear facilities.—
Greg Myre,
NPR,
9 Oct. 2025
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Bill Burr is lashing out at critics for slamming his appearance at the Riyadh Comedy Festival.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Jaguars responded quickly, with Omagbolahan Daudu punching it in from short range.—
Jordan Neal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Oct. 2025
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The film, which debuted to acclaim at Cannes this past May, is a heartfelt and surprising drama about an addict named Mike, who, after punching and robbing a man who offers to help, emerges from prison on a tentative path to rehabilitation.—
Esther Zuckerman,
Time,
10 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Later in the segment, the Las Culturistas host went as far as leaping over the desk so that Dobby could punish himself once again by banging his head against the camera.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
5 Oct. 2025
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For many, banging them in against the likes of Konyaspor and Goztepe last term is not a convincing retort to those questions.—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The robot showcased exemplary skills with the bat, whacking the ball precisely in a rally of over 100 shots with human-like agility.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
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New York put the screws to its division rival on Tuesday, whacking nine home runs to cruise to a 13-3 victory.—
Jackson Roberts,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Mariners bullpen immediately reacted in the moment, clapping and giving Turner thumbs-up in support.—
Brittany Ghiroli,
New York Times,
8 Oct. 2025
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Wearing a yellow fringed dress, Jauregui spun and shook her hips alongside a safety vest-wearing Armstrong, ending the performance by quick-stepping over to the cocktail table, where her bandmates and Bankhead were smiling and clapping in celebration.—
Gil Kaufman,
Billboard,
1 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Smacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smacking. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.
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