punch 1 of 3

Definition of punchnext

punch

2 of 3

noun (1)

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
3
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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of punch
Verb
Halty embraces the way Senda Athletics is punching above its weight as a sportswear brand in a tournament full of global brands and stars. Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 Key Points Taylor Sheridan landed a role after punching another man during the audition. Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
Noun
Jeffrey Viel would add both grit and scoring punch, while Ryan Lomberg could at least bring some energy and character to the locker room during the early stages of this rebuild. Thomas Drance, New York Times, 1 July 2026 Professional wrestling violence is normally scripted, with both parties agreeing to hit each other with punches, kicks, throws and sometimes weapons to tell a violent story in the ring or on camera. James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for punch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punch
Verb
  • Some of them slapped strict limits on all gas stations; in others, gas station chains limited how much fuel could be bought.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • Actor Orlando Brown slapped recording artist Ray J in the face with a wad of cash.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The Chileans drilled holes allowing workers to insert a camera and pinpoint his location.
    Mery Mogollón, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • On his way to 25 points, Acuff made some sharp pick-and-roll reads, drilled some midrange pull-ups and drew a few and-1s.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 5 July 2026
Verb
  • The abnormal heat has been driven by the onset of El Niño, a natural climate pattern characterized by unusually warm waters along the equatorial tropical Pacific Ocean.
    Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Congestion is difficult to predict, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, when driving behavior shifted and peak traffic hours spread out instead of sticking to the more uniform 9-to-5 workday.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • In another recent study on the impact of AI on jobs, the California AI-unemployment tracker examined the state across industries, education levels and region and highlighted some worrying trends.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital Editor, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Deadheading helps redirect energy to the plant, improving overall vigor and reducing disease risk.
    Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 27 June 2026
  • The crowd shook her car with such vigor that the 23-year-old Westminster resident couldn’t turn up the music like people shouted at her to do.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Vingegaard’s victory at the Giro d’Italia in May, allied with Wout Van Aert’s cathartic win at Paris-Roubaix, has delivered two key objectives but the surprise departure of head of racing Grischa Niermann to Lidl-Trek was a blow.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Hers is a voice that ought to have a lifetime’s staying power, bolstered by a lyrical and musical sensibility that provide everything her instrument needs to deliver a happy succession of knockout blows.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Given their expectations entering the day, Netcompany-INEOS will be deeply disappointed with Kevin Vauquelin’s puncture, their French leader having enjoyed such an impressive Tour last year.
    Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • The puncture left a hole in his sock between his big and middle toes, where a red stain formed.
    Ashley Mowreader, NBC news, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Moniak smacked a 424-foot homer to right-center with one down in the bottom of the inning to tie the game.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 1 July 2026
  • Kara and Ruthye figure out the Brigands are trafficking young women for dastardly purposes, giving them yet another reason to smack some dudes around.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Punch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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