spanking 1 of 3

spanking

2 of 3

adverb

spanking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of spank

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 spanking
Adjective
We’d been regularly hit by our father with a spanking spoon for talking back and fighting. Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024 But the 98-room hotel — occupying floors 40 to 45 of a spanking new mixed-use tower above Tokyo Station in the salary-man district of Chiyoda — is also a first for the brand. Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 16 May 2023
Adverb
There was Vice President Biden's inaugural bromance selfie with President Obama on his brand spanking new Instagram account. Christina Capatides, CBS News, 11 May 2018 Is this just about opportunistic politicians dipping into state coffers so they can be photographed cutting the ribbon at a spanking new factory? New York Times, 8 May 2018 See All Example Sentences for spanking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spanking
Adjective
  • But, because animated films can take a long time to complete, the movie isn’t expected to release until 2029.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Awards were given out across 33 categories, with winners in the narrative, documentary, and animated shorts categories achieving Oscar eligibility.
    Giana Levy, Variety, 27 Oct. 2025
Adverb
  • Many others were very angry about it.
    Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 11 Nov. 2025
  • And Doughty, who turns 36 in December and is still the runaway leader in ice time for the Kings, continues to be viewed in a very positive light by Team Canada’s decision-makers.
    Chris Johnston, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • An arrest warrant has been issued for a high school football player accused of intentionally smacking one of his opponents on the head at their game, according to investigators in North Florida.
    Mark Price, Miami Herald, 5 Nov. 2025
  • In the season four premiere of Mayor of Kingstown, co-creators/writers Hugh Dillon and Taylor Sheridan waste no time smacking viewers with a sense of doom and gloom.
    Demetrius Patterson, HollywoodReporter, 27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • My appetite for more Lee is low, but Harjo’s Tulsa — cynical and lively at the same time — simmers with more to say.
    Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
  • Lomax not only wrote the song but also stars in the commercial, which portrays him enjoying the Biggie Bag combo meal, a scene that turns into a lively celebration of music and food.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Nineteenth-century reporters could be extremely casual with facts and guessed at the spelling of names.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The right words can open doors the heart’s been knocking on for a while.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Once the buzz starts, fringe brands come knocking.
    Chris Cardillo, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Raja’s energetic narration is relentlessly funny, even (or especially) when it’s turned to dark or disturbing events from his past.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2025
  • But Isaacman has also garnered broad support within the commercial space industry, where he’s perceived as an energetic outsider ready to usher NASA into a new era.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 10 Nov. 2025
Adverb
  • Saul wasn’t too silly to carry the drama, his arc was just too damn sad.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2025
  • And why is everyone so damn happy?
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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