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 movie, created with partners Native Foreign and Vertigo Films, is being produced in just nine months on a budget under $30 million—far less than typical animated features—and is slated to debut at Cannes before a global 2026 release.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The animated series touches on the relationships between fathers and sons, prompting Yeun, as the lead actor, to reflect on his own fatherhood journey.
    Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • The player known as Dan the Man during his playing days remains very active in a lot of different arenas.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Some like to get to the airport very early, with time for a full picnic, while others are dashing in at the last minute while downing a protein bar.
    Jessie Beck, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In the middle, a president who promised to put both conflicts to bed – and whose talk of a Nobel Peace Prize is smacking up against the reality of the Gaza and Ukraine wars.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2025
  • 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
Adjective
  • Expect a lively mix of chef demos, book signings, brunch-style tastings, and conversation with some of the region’s most influential women.
    Rai Mincey, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • The kind of free speech and lively discourse that Kirk espoused involved spreading hateful conspiracy theories and misinformation.
    Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 17 Sep. 2025
Adverb
  • Or consider the extremely rapid development of vaccines during the recent COVID pandemic.
    Alan Lightman September 12, Literary Hub, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Kirk has risen in popularity over the years for his extremely polarizing takes, which resulted in a heavy split among reactions to his passing.
    Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • All we were focused on was just containing him, knocking the pocket back, just trying to keep him in the pocket, and forcing the football.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 14 Sep. 2025
  • No texts, no phone calls, no IMs—just walking over to their house, knocking on the door, and hanging out together?
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Most of Earth’s radiation isn’t energetic enough to excite water molecules into a vibrational quantum states.
    Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The vibe is energetic without being overwhelming—a place where groups gather, conversations fill the air, and the meal becomes the centerpiece of the evening.
    Shivani Vora, Forbes.com, 14 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 18 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!