as in hammering
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as in slapping
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
kept socking the punching bag until he was exhausted
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Recent Examples of socking
Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Verb
For some Americans, yes A weather forecast issued on Monday by the NWS shows heavy snow socking the Northern Plains, Upper Midwest and Great Lakes region this week ahead of Thanksgiving, with some storms poised to strike on the holiday.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for socking
Noun
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Eric Freeny blocked Smith, Bilodeau grabbed the loose ball and threw an outlet to Dailey for a hammering dunk.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
21 Jan. 2026
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Meanwhile, Moscow has kept up its hammering of Ukraine’s energy grid in overnight attacks that killed at least two people, according to Ukrainian officials.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Part of the answer seems to be more brands willing to make early commitments that actually matter (and not just slapping logos on things) but investing in the media infrastructure that lets fans watch and follow women’s sports in the first place.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
26 Jan. 2026
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But 6-11 has a way of slapping you in the face.—
Sam McDowell
January 23,
Kansas City Star,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Sherman said Rams subsequent pass coverages were affected by Shaheed whipping cornerback Darious Williams’ press coverage and getting four strides behind him to invite the sideline pass.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Jan. 2026
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This is a heavenly take on hot chocolate, using dark chocolate and whipping cream.—
Midwest Living,
Midwest Living,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Things often turn uglier after nightfall, when the convoys return and the protesters sometimes grow angrier, shaking fences and occasionally smacking passing cars.—
Tim Sullivan,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Jan. 2026
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My long-term goals are more important than smacking.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
15 Jan. 2026
Noun
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As the trailer promises, those threats — whether of the high-flying, head-smashing, fiery, toothy or mysterious variety — will leave audiences on the edge of their seats, and holding onto their butts.—
Abbey White,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Oct. 2025
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Most of the smashing is done by Tamburlaine, a Scythian shepherd by birth, who rises to the peaks of power, lays waste to one kingdom after another, and has the temerity, at the climax of Part 1, not to die.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Bulls shot 33 free throws — hitting 27 — compared to 15 attempts at the line for the Wolves.—
Tom Carothers,
Twin Cities,
23 Jan. 2026
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Severe cold temperatures hitting much of the country this week could branch out − literally.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
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And, the 56-22 CFP semifinal Peach Bowl thrashing of Oregon began with Ponds’ interception return for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
19 Jan. 2026
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Last season’s 56-7 thrashing of former college football power Nebraska.—
Joe Rexrode,
New York Times,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Guido followed him around like a puppy, from the very first day, always knocking on his door.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
22 Jan. 2026
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Video footage from the protest showed officers swinging batons and knocking demonstrators to the ground.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Socking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/socking. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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