as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement
a spanking and speedy little horse
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in very
to a great degree
the bathroom tiles were spanking white when she finished cleaning them
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of spanking
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
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
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
-
Despite being a pretty great animated sitcom in its own right, Dispatch will need to quickly start leaning further into its immersive elements to justify its place (and price tag) among a crowded streaming landscape.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Veneziale’s dad is often responsible for picking up items further afield, such as an animated phantom that had been listed on Facebook Marketplace.—
Laura Kiniry,
Popular Science,
22 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
The hunter was supposed to be Nweeia’s main guide, and this happened on the very first day of the expedition.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Oct. 2025
-
There are very few people with any substance who want to run.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The two had a peculiar conversation where Hawkins said Clifton missed smacking her rear end.—
Craig Shoup,
Nashville Tennessean,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The first of 12 projects outlined in the book is a literal slapstick, the classic vaudeville tool used to imitate the sound of smacking someone with a stick.—
Michael Roberts,
Outside,
9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
In the evening, the rooftop Art Bar came alive with DJs, creative cocktails, and a lively social atmosphere that catered to generations both young and old.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
22 Oct. 2025
-
Both the jitterbug and Lindy Hop (which is often referred to as the granddaddy of the swing era dances) are lively, energetic swing dances that involve quick spins, sharp footwork and pure joy between a pair to a booming live band playing.—
Alexa Stone
Updated October 21,
Kansas City Star,
21 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
Almeida is extremely likely to have wrestling success early in this fight, and the question becomes whether Volkov can survive and extend the matchup.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
Last offseason, the Red Sox were extremely active, trading for ace pitcher Garrett Crochet and signing All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman.—
Shaun McAvoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Known as knockers in England, kobolds also live in caves and mines and make knocking noises directing human miners where to dig.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
26 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The Disney Channel series, which released new episodes Monday through Friday at the height of its popularity, would see its energetic teen stars perform a blend of musical performances and sketch comedy routines.—
Sydney Bucksbaum,
Entertainment Weekly,
24 Oct. 2025
-
Absent replacing party sinecurists with able, energetic people, nothing can keep candidates from adopting this agenda on their own—as some younger primary challengers of Democratic incumbents are already starting to do.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Adverb
-
And, perhaps most importantly, to quit worrying so damn much.—
Christine Peterson,
Outdoor Life,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Well, his lower body looks damn good to start.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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