punched up; punching up; punches up
: to give energy or forcefulness to
jokes added to punch up a speech
Examples of punch-up in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2026
Among them are Neeson as a Great Gatsby-esque type who puts Declan in the hospital after a punch-up and Cleese as a priest who also doubles as the Grim Reaper.
—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
11 May 2026
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
4 July 2026
Pickled Fresnos punch up the dish with a nice bit of briney tang that’s followed by a warming spice that isn’t overpowering but keeps you coming back for more.
—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punch-up
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Noun
Even though Jane’s definition really needs no punch-ups, in this reader’s opinion.
—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
30 June 2026
Among them are Neeson as a Great Gatsby-esque type who puts Declan in the hospital after a punch-up and Cleese as a priest who also doubles as the Grim Reaper.
—
Alex Ritman,
Variety,
11 May 2026
Verb
Morgenthaler’s version—amaretto and lemon, punched up with a pour of high-proof bourbon, and smoothed out with an egg white—utterly transforms the drink.
—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
4 July 2026
Pickled Fresnos punch up the dish with a nice bit of briney tang that’s followed by a warming spice that isn’t overpowering but keeps you coming back for more.
—
Amanda Stanfield,
Southern Living,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for punch-up
Cite this Entry
“Punch-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punch-up. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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