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
  • In recent years, Hollywood decided adult comedies were not good bets in movie theaters, and instead focused heavily on superheroes and animated films.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 22 May 2026
  • Toons boom across the Croisette this year, with colorful features opening Critics’ Week, closing Directors’ Fortnight, and appearing across nearly every section — further cementing Cannes’ status as a premier launchpad for animated cinema.
    Ben Croll, Variety, 18 May 2026
Adverb
  • Los Angeles County voters will cast ballots Tuesday in two very different races for county supervisor.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
  • At least one watchdog group warned the legislation could poke more holes into the property tax base for very large developers across the state, not just the Bears.
    Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2026
Verb
  • In Game 5 of the 2021 NLCS, Taylor had a game for the ages, smacking three home runs against the Atlanta Braves to help stave off elimination (for at least one more day).
    Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
  • Chicago rookie Munetaka Murakami became the first player in major league history to homer in the first game of eight straight series, smacking a solo shot off Emerson Hancock (3-1) in the first.
    CBS News, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Food and drink The lobby lounge always seems to have a coffee and cocktail menu at hand, and that’s why the area stays lively from morning to night.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • Also enjoy tours of the Nectar Garden, lively puppet shows, special presentations about pollinators, family-friendly nature crafts and live music.
    Hema Sivanandam, Mercury News, 1 June 2026
Adverb
  • Canfield, as proven by her work in Stereophonic, is extremely able at playing a character with a pristine, almost porcelain surface and roiling depths.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
  • This has been extremely traumatic for both of us, especially Ashley.
    Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 May 2026
  • Sounds like big savings knocking on your doorstep.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 28 May 2026
Adjective
  • Platini had star quality, but Infantino was an energetic administrator with a noticeable gift for languages.
    Sam Knight, New Yorker, 1 June 2026
  • We were joined by İsmet Öztanık, the energetic third-generation hotelier behind the Avantgarde Refined brand, which also includes a sister Bodrum property alongside the family’s larger Avantgarde Collection portfolio.
    Anya von Bremzen, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Adverb
  • His sense of crafting anecdotes into top-tier material and knowing how to use his sweet-molasses pacing to calmly detonate a joke is damn near peerless.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 28 May 2026
  • That curve looks pretty damn good.
    Eric Siegel, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.

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