spanking 1 of 3

Definition of spankingnext

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
  • The show's only limit is its imagination, as fans have already seen Captain Pike and his crew delight in musical and animated episodes.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 2 Jan. 2026
  • The sequel, which has the Ghostbusters facing off with the spirit of Vigo the Carpathian and his profoundly negative vibes, ends in a joyous celebration that brings the Big Apple together while an animated Statue of Liberty stomps to the rescue.
    James Grebey, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
Adverb
  • Start your very own love affair with Outcrease Retinol Trifecta Serum by grabbing a bottle today, and check out some of Dermelect’s other skin correcting serums and facial oils below.
    Michelle Baricevic, InStyle, 14 Jan. 2026
  • She's seen that the wasteland is a very difficult place, full of suffering.
    Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • And the good vibes of those wins quickly dissolved with Toronto smacking them around in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
  • Malika was now smacking the rug in rhythm.
    Joan Silber, New Yorker, 30 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • Chabada For a livelier scene, head to the main drag along Platja de l’Arenal to find Chabada.
    Liz Provencher, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • The style throughout, irrespective of category, is lively without being hectic, a pleasing postmodern blend of contemporary, midcentury, and roughly Victorian elements.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • They’re designed with roomy interiors and tons of compartments that make organizing your packing essentials extremely easy.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 16 Jan. 2026
  • Sortke 18x18-Inch Set of 2 Throw Pillow Covers This two-pack of throw pillow covers is extremely discounted right now.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The woman recalled someone knocking on their door, waking her family, before hearing shots.
    DeJanay Booth-Singleton, CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • Los Angeles was knocking at the door again with a third-and-2 from New England’s three-yard line, but Kimani Vidal was stuffed.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Practical courage lifts your finances as energetic Mars squares vulnerable Chiron in your 2nd House of Accounting, guiding you to spend wisely while respecting personal values.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
  • The class of 2026 under France coach Didier Deschamps is a mix of energetic youth and experienced heads with Dembélé poised to be one of the leading figures alongside fellow striker Kylian Mbappé.
    Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 12 Jan. 2026
Adverb
  • Y'all had me here too damn long!
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Somebody better damn well thank Sal Sapperstein before the night is through.
    Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.

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