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
Alexander Skarsgård has a spanking new romantic comedy. — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025 Owner Ted Leonsis will not move to a spanking new facility in Northern Virginia. — Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
Adverb
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 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 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
  • Annecy, which was established as a bi-annual event in 1960 and shifted to a yearly event in 1998, hosts a main competition every year, with roughly 10 or so animated films of all types — from 2D to 3D to stop-motion — competing for the Cristal for Best Feature Film.
    — Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 26 June 2026
  • The film features an original score by acclaimed composer Christophe Beck, whose iconic work on Disney’s Frozen and Frozen II has resonated with audiences around the world and helped define a generation of animated storytelling.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Definition of animated
Adverb
  • Despite consuming mass quantities of high-calorie foods during competition season, most professional competitive eaters are very lean.
    — Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Music icon Taylor Swift and football star Travis Kelce, who announced their engagement in August 2025, are anticipated to tie the knot very soon.
    — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
Definition of very
Verb
  • The first mode is a more simple impact detonation — simply put, smacking the asteroid's surface to create a shallow crater, in which a nuclear device is exploded.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 7 July 2026
  • Gill saved the first shot in the penalty shootout against Germany, diving to his left and smacking away the ball headed for the back of the net.
    — Gonzalo Zegarra, CNN Money, 7 July 2026
Definition of smacking
Adjective
  • Vibrant banners will fill the land alongside lively Spanish music.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
  • On East Passyunk Avenue, Supérette is a lively French wine bar, market and bottle shop where rosé and pastis are enjoyed with snacks like duck prosciutto and raclette sandwiches.
    — Regan Stephens, New York Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of lively
Adverb
  • The team turned to the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory, a stadium-sized synchrotron facility that produces extremely bright X-ray beams.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • Teasing out the impact of a small dose of radiation that occurs in addition to all those other exposures is extremely challenging, and the impact of extremely low exposures has not been decisively demonstrated.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 6 July 2026
Definition of extremely
Verb
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026
  • Belgium trounced the United States, winning 4-1, knocking the hosts out of the competition.
    — Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 7 July 2026
Definition of knocking
Adjective
  • Work with Your Design Style A color this bright and energetic couldn’t possibly be versatile, too, right?
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2026
  • Brazil were energetic and vertical, Vinicius Junior and Rayan stretched their opponents and Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time winner was just reward.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 4 July 2026
Definition of energetic
Adverb
  • 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
  • Williams is too young to be this damn good.
    — Darren Cooper, Forbes.com, 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 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spanking

Nglish: Translation of spanking for Spanish Speakers

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