Definition of spankingnext

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
Adjective
Owner Ted Leonsis will not move to a spanking new facility in Northern Virginia. Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024 We’d been regularly hit by our father with a spanking spoon for talking back and fighting. Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024
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
Adjective
  • The animated family adventure should dig up about $20 million for Paramount through the weekend.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Aaron Pierre brings the character to life after years of comic book and animated stories.
    Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • Romanian officials have warned that the danger to border communities is very real.
    David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • California eventually adopted a very limited film tax credit plan in 2009, but even then production had already gone elsewhere.
    Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Carrington was ejected from the game in the first half after smacking Cunningham across the face during Cunningham's layup attempt.
    Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Catcher Daniel Susac followed up Wednesday’s two-home-run game by smacking a two-run shot, and the Giants bullpen didn’t break down while protecting a 4-1 victory.
    Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Adjective
  • Back at the hotel, rotating art, live performances, wellness programming, and seasonal events keep things lively.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
  • People have flocked there from California, Washington and Oregon, taking advantage of Boise's lower cost of living, relatively mild winters, and lively outdoor scene.
    CJ Haddad,Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • The balance between efficiency and pleasantness in doing business seems extremely hard to achieve.
    Judith Martin, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Naegleria fowleri infections are extremely rare, with only 180 confirmed between 1937 and 2025, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
    Diego Mendoza, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • And the defense module can neutralize them via electronics-frying HPM emissions, knocking satellites out without creating a cloud of space debris.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 25 Aug. 2026
  • For Lynn Parsons, knocking on a stranger’s door once made the difference between getting home and watching her car get towed away.
    Razak Diallo, Baltimore Sun, 23 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Both bands, originating from the Chicagoland area, delivered energetic sets to an enthusiastic crowd.
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The gregarious and media-savvy Hilton has been waging an energetic and effervescent run for governor, with multiple appearances a day and frequent updates to his cheeky social media accounts.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • This sucker is super small and lightweight, clips on in a second, and feels damn close to the original inputs.
    David Pierce, The Verge, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The reason the rent is too damn high is because Wall Street is counting on it.
    Anisha Steephen, Time, 21 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster