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
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
  1. animated
  2. very
  3. smacking
  4. lively
  5. extremely
  6. knocking
  7. energetic
  8. damn
Adjective
  • In Thursday’s announcement, Canal+ highlighted that the new deal would also see a strengthening of its support for new filmmakers and new styles of filmmaking; debut films and emerging talent; diversity film and animated films.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 27 July 2026
  • Although animated sequels have majorly rebounded at the box office, original fare remains challenged.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 26 July 2026
Definition of animated
Adverb
  • Veejay is a great model and sells Naheim’s and Jeffrey’s outfits, which are both really fashionable and exciting; Jeffrey’s burgundy suit is very femme-fatale Ursula.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 31 July 2026
  • Moore has earned the praise after having a very strong spring.
    — Mike Kaye July 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
Definition of very
Verb
  • Jumping into the air, doing the splits, screaming at the top of his lungs, smacking the ground.
    — Mark Harris OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 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
  • Players have long complained about less-lively balls that force them to swing harder to hit them through the court.
    — Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 30 July 2026
  • The pilot sets up interesting tensions between Duke and surrogate father Kingsley and a livelier adversarial role for Pinnock, but Kingsley is gone for the majority of the six episodes (out of eight) sent to critics and Pinnock’s absence is felt.
    — Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 July 2026
Definition of lively
Adverb
  • The wildfires broke out over the weekend across the Spokane area, fueled by very strong winds combined with extremely dry conditions.
    — Melissa Griffin, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026
  • However, experts say that legal decision was extremely narrow, with some arguing it was likely misinterpreted by migrants and traffickers.
    — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of extremely
Verb
  • Elarms-Orr didn’t think Kincaid was down and laid a sizable hit on the tight end, knocking him to the ground again.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Wahab said she’s been hard at work on the campaign trail hosting town hall discussions, knocking door-to-door and meeting constituents in the district.
    — Kyle Martin, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of knocking
Adjective
  • Bergé—still blustery and energetic at sixty-eight—flanks Saint Laurent protectively as the two leave their hotel for the ceremony, where the designer is set to receive a lifetime-achievement award.
    — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • As a rookie last season, Watkins established himself as one of the Wizards’ most energetic and physical perimeter defenders.
    — Josh Robbins, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of energetic
Adverb
  • The reason the rent is too damn high is because Wall Street is counting on it.
    — Anisha Steephen, Time, 21 July 2026
  • Hodad’s is a third-generation small business, a San Diego treasure that makes a damn good burger.
    — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 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 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spanking

Nglish: Translation of spanking for Spanish Speakers

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