1
as in slapping
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
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2
as in drilling
to make a hole or series of holes in
punch a ticket
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of punching
The University of Miami defeated Ole Miss, 31-27, in a Fiesta Bowl semifinal thriller, punching its ticket to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
—
CBS News, 8 Jan. 2026
That footage showed Jones elbowing, stomping and punching the boy, and prompted the police investigation.
—Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2026
At that time, the suspect attacked the officer, punching him in the face, and then attempting to punch and kick him repeatedly, the release said.
—Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 7 Jan. 2026
Thomas’ account was not consistent with surveillance footage as Erik is never shown punching anyone in the face or producing a weapon, court records state.
—Post-Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 Jan. 2026
Ceesay is accused of grabbing Thompson in a headlock and punching her as the slaying unfolded.
—Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 3 Jan. 2026
His goal against Manchester City in late November sparked the fightback during which Leeds are yet to stop punching.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
Miami's defense has struggled to keep opponents out of the end zone, allowing 27 points per game, but the offense has struggled just as much punching it in themselves, with the Dolphins only scoring 20 points per game, both of which rank in the bottom third of the league.
—Shaun McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025
Videos shared on social media showed federal agents pinning a man to the ground and punching him in the head.
—Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punching
Verb
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Mimicking what happened seven years earlier after the Dallas playoff win in Charlotte, the players ran back outside and took a lap around the stadium, slapping hands with delirious home fans.—
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That means not just the sound of rubber slapping the pavement or the whir of electric motors—the soundtrack of a Formula E race—but something new and artificial or, more generously, bespoke.—
Verb
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Dëmin finally stopped the bleeding out of the huddle, drilling a left-corner 3 to give Brooklyn a pulse, but the climb was steep from there.—
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Energy experts say this trend shows how sharply the US and China are diverging on the energy transition, with China sprinting far ahead on renewables and EVs, while the US doubles down on drilling oil at home and abroad.—
Verb
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Take extra caution when on the road or avoid driving if possible.—
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According to investigators, the man was driving a Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Kilgore Road when the truck left the roadway, entered a ditch and overturned.—
Verb
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The 49ers went three and out on their next two possessions and were unsuccessful on throws outside the numbers after hitting the middle of the field with three completions on the scoring drive.—
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After hitting just 4 of 30 threes against the Pacers, Miami opened 4 for 4 from distance, shot 8 for 16 on threes in the first half and finished 17 for 32.—
Verb
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When the sun goes down, three beams of light will illuminate the sky over the town that was, piercing the darkness that this time last year was lit with the unholy glow of a fire raging, with no end in sight.—
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In addition to a new piercing placement, North also wore one of her new Christmas presents, a 106-carat diamond skull pendant that was gifted by mom Kardashian, 45.—
Verb
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Mayor Armin Mizani, who is running for Texas House District 98, had sought to make Keller the first city in the nation to codify a ban on Islam’s legal system.—
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DeRozan received the pass, took one dribble and tried a running 29-foot 3-pointer that clanked off the back rim and the Kings lost, 100-98.—
Verb
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And the good vibes of those wins quickly dissolved with Toronto smacking them around in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss.—
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Malika was now smacking the rug in rhythm.—
Verb
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Tonight, after poking the bear, this bear roared.—
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There are also dual Akrapvoic exhausts poking out the rear, framed by slim taillights.—
Cite this Entry
“Punching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punching. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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