spanking 1 of 3

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
Adverb
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
Verb
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 inclusion highlights Taiwan’s growing reputation in short-form and animated cinema.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 Sep. 2025
  • During the trial, after Cardi took the stand to deliver her testimony, several of her impassioned exchanges with the plaintiff's lawyer, Ron Rosen Janfaza, went viral due to her unfiltered, expletive-laced responses and animated expressions, including eye rolls and shrugs.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • In her latest Jo + Tiny Mic series on Instagram, the Texas native shared four of her favorite secrets to instantly elevate a room, and the principles can be perfectly applied to your fall home decor using Gaines’ very own Magnolia collection at Target.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Sep. 2025
  • In heated hearings over the past week, Republicans released very little information about the map’s impact on specific communities across the Kansas City area.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Under the hot summer sun, players drip sweat after repeatedly smacking into each other during long, physical practices.
    Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 21 Aug. 2025
  • Montgomery gave the White Sox a 3-1 lead, smacking a two-run single to right field.
    Field Level Media, Reuters, 12 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • The line connects the bustling Praça dos Restauradores in Baixa (downtown Lisbon) with the lively Bairro Alto district and the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
  • While in La Latina, its winding medieval lanes overflow with lively tapas bars and local chatter.
    Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • In extremely dense fog where visibility is near zero, the best course of action is to first turn on your hazard lights, then simply pull into a safe location such as a parking lot of a local business, and stop.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Lisa, 28, wore a black maxi dress with cutouts, and paired the look with an extremely rare Hermès Birkin while in South Korea's capital city.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Roughly 89 hours after landing in Buffalo, there Prater was knocking the game-winning, walk-off 32-yard field goal through the uprights to beat the Baltimore Ravens 41-40 in what could be the NFL’s game of the year.
    Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Fall is officially knocking at our doors, which means last month’s linen sets and sandals just won’t cut it.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Labradors are often more energetic and bred for hunting, retrieving, and service work, whereas goldens are prized for their patience, friendliness, and trainability.
    Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Inspired by the tradition of the divine feminine, the energetic space captivates with colors, abstract wall art and a goddess sculpture done by the dynamic sister artist duo’s mother.
    Spencer Whaley, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • As a result, Green Bay just got glitzier — and America’s Team appears pretty damn far from Super.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 29 Aug. 2025
  • The Orange Is the New Black star helped launch EW's annual LGBTQ+ issue — and looked damn good doing it.
    Leah Greenblatt, EW.com, 14 Aug. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on spanking

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!