punctuate

1 of 2

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating
Synonyms of punctuatenext

transitive verb

1
: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2
: to break into or interrupt at intervals
The steady click of her needles punctuated the silence …—Edith Wharton
3
: accentuate, emphasize

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks
punctuator
ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwā-tər How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
noun

punctuator

2 of 2

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tor -tə(r) How to pronounce punctuator (audio)
plural -s
: one that punctuates

Synonyms of punctuate

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Verb

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Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Verb Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly? punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
Deep greens sit against warm ochre walls, punctuated by flashes of glossy, nail-varnish-red lacquer. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Elon Musk ordered the Starlink slowdown that hindered Kyiv’s defense last week, US officials told The Wall Street Journal, an episode that punctuated a stunning breakdown in US-Ukraine ties. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 20 Oct. 2026 After all, the mac and cheese, potatoes, pies, and pound cakes are similar to the celebratory dishes that punctuate the year’s other holidays. — Jamila Robinson, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026 Their entrance is punctuated by vibrations in the Sphere’s haptic seats, a surprise that initially jars but ultimately enhances the experience. — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punctuate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

Noun

punctuate + -or

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctuate was circa 1766

Rhymes for punctuate

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Browse Nearby Words

punctualness
punctuate
punctuated equilibrium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

punctuate

verb
punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide with punctuation marks
2
: to interrupt at intervals
a speech punctuated by a harsh cough
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