spanking 1 of 3

adjective

ˈspaŋ-kiŋ How to pronounce spanking (audio)
Definition of spankingnext
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement a spanking and speedy little horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spanking

2 of 3

adverb

as in very
to a great degree the bathroom tiles were spanking white when she finished cleaning them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spanking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of spank
as in smacking

Related Words

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
The rapper born Jeffrey Bruce Atkins was all over the place, promoting his spanking new Amber & Opal, a top shelf honey botanical whiskey. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025 Owner Ted Leonsis will not move to a spanking new facility in Northern Virginia. — Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
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
  1. animated
  2. very
  3. smacking
  4. lively
  5. extremely
  6. knocking
  7. energetic
  8. damn
Adjective
  • But that’s all to the good for this rare example of original animated storytelling in a sea of IP and sequels.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Both players are intense and animated competitors, and their fan bases' are fiercely loyal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of animated
Adverb
  • Here, a very dear, longtime local friend officiated the service with just a few attendees which included a blacktip reef shark and a colony of marine iguanas.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Sep. 2026
  • My leadership is much more about providing a very clear direction and making sure that there’s a high degree of autonomy for people to feel empowered and enabled to do so.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of very
Verb
  • Carrington was ejected from the game in the first half after smacking Cunningham across the face during Cunningham's layup attempt.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Catcher Daniel Susac followed up Wednesday’s two-home-run game by smacking a two-run shot, and the Giants bullpen didn’t break down while protecting a 4-1 victory.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of smacking
Adjective
  • Why, those teeming crowds just outside the shows are their own lively scene, filled with exciting, unexpected, and downright inspired takes on what’s happening in fashion.
    — Phil Oh, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Echo Theater Company’s ambitious production brings lively design and a volatile cast to the stage, but an unfocused script and feverish direction overwhelm the story.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of lively
Adverb
  • Poorer women were extremely vulnerable if they were judged to have sinned like this.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the research around how schools can use AI to help students — and avoid potential harms — is extremely limited, according to a recent Stanford University review of more than 800 academic papers.
    — Lee V. Gaines, NPR, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of extremely
Verb
  • For those who missed it, Stephens hit a sliding Moore in the helmet during the second quarter, knocking Moore out of the game and sending the star quarterback to the hospital down the street on a stretcher.
    — Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • To get the coach's side of the story, CBS News Detroit tried calling her, reaching out to her on social media, knocking on her door and writing her a letter.
    — Julia Avant, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of knocking
Adjective
  • In the current Mexican scene, Emjay is one of the best live performers, known for her energetic and emotional shows.
    — Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
  • This is the most energetic and exciting premiere of Survivor in a long time.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of energetic
Adverb
  • In fact, call it South Park or South America, the result was still damn good.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026
  • This guy’s a good football player, damn good football player, massive, really strong with his hands.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of damn

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Cite this Entry

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 2 Oct. 2026.

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