smacking

verb

Definition of smackingnext
present participle of smack
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

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 smacking With a Triple-A pitcher called up for a spot start and a utilityman smacking an early two-run homer, the Boston Red Sox, having now won eight straight games, keep winning with an unlikely formula. — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026 The first mode is a more simple impact detonation — simply put, smacking the asteroid's surface to create a shallow crater, in which a nuclear device is exploded. — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 7 July 2026 Gill saved the first shot in the penalty shootout against Germany, diving to his left and smacking away the ball headed for the back of the net. — Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 7 July 2026 Deputies responded to a report of a driver smacking his car into a guardrail in front of The Bridge Restaurant before driving away, according to a sheriff’s office news release. — Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2026 In Game 5 of the 2021 NLCS, Taylor had a game for the ages, smacking three home runs against the Atlanta Braves to help stave off elimination (for at least one more day). — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026 Chicago rookie Munetaka Murakami became the first player in major league history to homer in the first game of eight straight series, smacking a solo shot off Emerson Hancock (3-1) in the first. — CBS News, 9 May 2026 Chicago rookie Munetaka Murakami became the first player in major league history to homer in the first game of eight straight series, smacking a solo shot off Emerson Hancock (3-1) in the first. — ABC News, 8 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for smacking
  1. slapping
  2. hitting
  3. knocking
  4. slamming
  5. punching
  6. banging
  7. whacking
  8. clapping
Verb
  • There was briefly some concern earlier this year that Chestnut wouldn’t be able to participate in the 2026 competition after he was arrested for allegedly slapping a man in an Indiana bar.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • Haaland’s winning goal came after another bout of yanking and pulling; the striker tried to free himself by slapping the defender’s arm away, eventually just carrying on regardless.
    — Jack Lang, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Definition of slapping
Verb
  • There was more talk of hitting a provisional, but Spieth refused.
    — Brody Miller, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • That cool air crashes toward the ground, then spreads outward in every direction like water hitting the floor.
    — Madeleine Wright, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of hitting
Verb
  • But the opportunity to grab more shares might come knocking again if an encouraging report Wednesday is met with more profit-taking.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of knocking
Verb
  • With men on first and second against Andrew Alvarez (2-3), Rice hit a drive on the fourth straight curveball from Alvarez that center fielder Dylan Crews was unable to catch while slamming into the wall.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 12 July 2026
  • Six fighting bulls and their steers repeatedly knocked runners to the cobblestones, with one bull breaking from the herd and slamming into a cluster of unsuspecting participants.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
Definition of slamming
Verb
  • At the same hearing in May, Cooper answered another question the way Hegseth might have—by punching back.
    — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
  • Video of the incident shows two officers struggling with the woman, with one of them punching her in the head before taking her to the ground.
    — Jason Green, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Definition of punching
Verb
  • Then the team did it, sitting on the field after beating Ivory Coast to reach the round of 16, with captain Martin Odegaard banging the drum.
    — Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • And on bikes no-one sane would ever consider banging around a racetrack on.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
Definition of banging
Verb
  • Larry Hayes, 86, and Bill Moniz, 79, hit the tennis courts in Mountain View three to four times a week — whacking balls across the net as teammates for one to three hours a week.
    — Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
  • And the crowd clearly expected that pucks whacking the nets would be at a premium in this series, too.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 May 2026
Definition of whacking
Verb
  • On Monday against the Phoenix Mercury, Clark spent the game peeved at the officials and picked up her fifth technical after clapping in an antagonizing manner toward a rival.
    — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 27 June 2026
  • This was not the first time this season the two-time All-Star has been seen clapping toward other players or officials during a game.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
Definition of clapping

Browse Nearby Words

smackers
smacking
smacking (of)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Smacking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/smacking. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of smacking for Spanish Speakers

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