1
as in to slap
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
after the man had punched the bartender for eighty-sixing him, bouncers stepped in and restrained him until the police could arrive
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to drill
to make a hole or series of holes in
punch a ticket
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in impact
the quality of an utterance that provokes interest and produces an effect
the real punch of the speech came in its closing lines
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in vigor
active strength of body or mind
we're going to need a candidate with real punch if voters are ever going to get excited about this election
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
the poor palooka wasn't able to land a single punch on his opponent
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in puncture
a mark or small hole made by a pointed instrument
old computers used to get information by reading the punches on a series of cards
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of punch
Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The result is a riveting piece of fiction with descriptive language that punches you right in the gut.
—Bailey Seybolt, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Emily Earlenbaugh, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
On the ensuing faceoff, Columbus’ Mathieu Olivier dropped the gloves with Washington’s Dylan McIlrath and landed two or three heavy punches.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punch
Verb
When his son stepped in between Balmer and his wife, Balmer allegedly shoved his son out of the way and then punched his wife with a closed fist.
—Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 15 Apr. 2025
The result is a riveting piece of fiction with descriptive language that punches you right in the gut.
—Bailey Seybolt, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
Rove and Pax’s pods and Jaunty’s carts work with reusable bases, and their hits pack a serious punch.
—Emily Earlenbaugh, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
On the ensuing faceoff, Columbus’ Mathieu Olivier dropped the gloves with Washington’s Dylan McIlrath and landed two or three heavy punches.
—Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
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The two rivals slapped each other, and Charlotte missed a spear in the corner.—
Alfred Konuwa,
Forbes.com,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The Republican president slapped 10% tariffs on most goods entering the country but delayed the implementation of higher levies, pending negotiations.—
Trevor Hunnicutt,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The same rescission notice mentions another Biden-era rule that established stronger protections against drilling in the Western Arctic.—
Dac Collins,
Outdoor Life,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Much of the remaining top-tier inventory is already drilled.—
Dan Eberhart,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The Ontario Home Builders’ Association warned last month that tariffs and counter-tariffs on steel and aluminum products would likely drive up the costs of construction materials, making building and buying new homes more expensive, worsening the housing affordability issue.—
Hira Humayun,
CNN Money,
20 Apr. 2025
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Atlanta took advantage, with Trae Young driving for a layup to tie the score at 106 with 1.3 seconds remaining and force overtime.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Then with two outs, Amed Rosario smacked an RBI single.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
13 Apr. 2025
-
Once the screen comes, Dort smacked his inside leg into Hayes’ outside one.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
Verb
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To get an empty eggshell, pierce small holes on either end of a fresh, raw egg with a needle and gently blow the contents out into a bowl.—
Annabelle Canela,
Parents,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Wolf, Puss in Boots’s big villain, had piercing red eyes; Sinners’s villain Remmick (Jack O’Connell) has piercing red eyes.—
Alejandra Gularte,
Vulture,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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His parents, who tell THR their son is taking the abrupt introduction to fame in stride, perch nearby, ready to run him home after the shoot.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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Drivers including Ken Miles, Michael Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Bob Bondurant, and Carroll Shelby have also run the course.—
Erik Shilling,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
20 Apr. 2025
-
The match began with Uso and Gunther going back and forth with each Superstar hitting their signature moves.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Antetokounmpo poked the ball away from Nembhard briefly and a scramble ensued, but the Pacers came up with the ball.—
Eric Nehm,
New York Times,
20 Apr. 2025
-
Underneath, a dress in a nearly identical shade poked through slightly, and the actress paired her all-gray attire with black pumps and a matching purse — plus her signature blonde bob, of course.—
Bailey Richards,
People.com,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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