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
  • The animated film, made with a budget between $150 million and $200 million, has earned upward of $763 million globally less than a month after its release.
    — Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
  • The Rick and Morty world is one of the most involved animated series ever created and obviously takes up a lot of brain power to pull together.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 July 2026
Definition of animated
Adverb
  • Dior presented its Diorissima collection at Villa Dior, a space dedicated to Dior’s very important customers (VICs).
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 10 July 2026
  • The stewards of the forest About 100 miles northwest of the Tahoe Basin, lower down in the foothills, survivors of the epic 2018 Camp fire that destroyed the town of Paradise have a very different relationship with forest stewards.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Definition of very
Verb
  • With a Triple-A pitcher called up for a spot start and a utilityman smacking an early two-run homer, the Boston Red Sox, having now won eight straight games, keep winning with an unlikely formula.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • 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
Definition of smacking
Adjective
  • Set the scene Morea House’s contemporary, angular facade faces right out onto the beach from where the lively V&A Waterfront is a 20-minute drive north, with Sea Point, another popular stretch of seafront, just 11 minutes away by car.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 July 2026
  • Known for its sprawling waterfront cottages and lively social scene, Muskoka sets the stage as relationships, careers, and personal lives collide.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 9 July 2026
Definition of lively
Adverb
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Surveillance of a suspect can take hours or days, and is extremely resource-intensive.
    — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
Definition of extremely
Verb
  • But the opportunity to grab more shares might come knocking again if an encouraging report Wednesday is met with more profit-taking.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 14 July 2026
  • Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 13 July 2026
Definition of knocking
Adjective
  • Even small toe-taps or a light head bob accompanies the least energetic.
    — Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 12 July 2026
  • Adrian, creative and energetic from childhood on—and raised in the presence of movie cameras—became a filmmaker himself, fusing a passion for extreme skiing with his cinematic sensibility.
    — Marina Harss, New Yorker, 10 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 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on spanking

Nglish: Translation of spanking for Spanish Speakers

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