SPANKING Synonyms: 258 Similar and Opposite Words

spanking 1 of 3

adjective

ˈspaŋ-kiŋ

Definition of spanking

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

We’d been regularly hit by our father with a spanking spoon for talking back and fighting. — Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024 My Cat looks tiny and out-of-place among the spanking new hot rods parked out front. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 26 Mar. 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 three episodes of this outstanding series that were made available cements the claim that some of the most creative animated storytelling is being generated from anime.

— Randy Myers, Mercury News, 16 July 2026
As an animated franchise, How to Train Your Dragon has shown admirable profitability and cultural staying power.

— Chris Lee, Vulture, 14 July 2026

Definition of animated

Adverb

And about the rip currents Currents are dangerous and a very real problem on the Gulf Coast, including around the barrier islands where Wells was partying.

— Adam Carlson, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
What that means is all that remains to be filled in is a section in the very middle, in Coral Gables along the University of Miami.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Definition of very

Verb

Heavy raindrops flew sideways, smacking against the hood of my rain jacket and creating a nearly deafening white noise.

— Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
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

Definition of smacking

Adjective

Inside, a lively party plays out — a cacophony of voices, skin, shimmer, bottles, joy and hormones on repeat.

— Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
From creators Liz Heldens and Matt Ward, the as-yet-untitled series follows Heidi (Banks), who is fresh off a messy divorce and sets out to secure a lively second act for herself and her kids.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 16 July 2026

Definition of lively

Adverb

French thrives in Quebec, supported by some extremely assertive language legislation, but the threats of secession in the province are a persistent nuisance.

— Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
And considering Spider-Man's signature suit, the crimson liner felt less like an unexpected beauty choice and more like an extremely intentional reference.

— Marci Robin, Allure, 20 July 2026

Definition of extremely

Verb

The surveillance footage released by police in 2012 from the night before the murder showed a person in a hoodie and baggy pants walking up the stairs outside Chavez’s apartment and knocking on the door.

— Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Jay Harry is knocking at the door Blue Jays designated hitter Sean Keys had a front-row seat for Jay Harry’s breakout season.

— Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Definition of knocking

Adjective

Munda, 19, has intermittently trained with the seniors over the past couple of seasons and the energetic midfielder is primed for a loan move in the new season.

— Chris Waugh, New York Times, 17 July 2026
In his view, our cognition, mood, and conscious experience reflect deeper energetic processes — down to the subcellular level.

— Rachel Nuwer, Quanta Magazine, 17 July 2026

Definition of energetic

Browse Nearby Words

spanked

spanking

spanks

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Style

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of spanking

adjective

adverb

verb

Example Sentences

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