punching bag

noun

Definition of punching bagnext
as in loser

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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 punching bag Netflix has been a favourite punching bag for many in the French industry who blame declining box office on the rise of online viewing. — Scott Roxborough, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Dec. 2022 This 205-pound heavyweight punching bag is a #1 best-seller on Amazon. — John Thompson, Men's Health, 14 Nov. 2022 Social media, often a punching bag here, took more hits this year. — Rob Pegoraro, USA TODAY, 8 Nov. 2022 The robotic punching bag recognizes and escapes your strikes, swelling both strength and velocity of your punches. — IEEE Spectrum, 7 Dec. 2018 See All Example Sentences for punching bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punching bag
  1. loser
  2. flop
  3. washout
  4. quitter
Noun
  • In many of life’s winner-loser outcomes, the fate of the losers is all but inevitable, granted the values, resources and determination of the winners.
    — James Coffin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Gaskell noted that a relatively small number of active losers account for a substantial amount of sportsbooks’ revenue.
    — ProPublica, ProPublica, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of loser
Noun
  • Completed in 1919, the hospital was a flop, as only 33 veterans -- of 30,000 contacted -- expressed interest in care.
    — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The infamous stage musical adaptation of Stephen King’s novel about a telekinetic high schooler was a massive Broadway flop in 1988 but has been redeemed by steady community and college theater productions over the decades since.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of flop
Noun
  • The weekend is not expected to be a complete washout, but passing storms will remain possible Saturday and Sunday.
    — Lissette Gonzalez, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Still some lingering light rain and breezy conditions across parts of the Northeast for tomorrow morning, but not a washout for most.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
Definition of washout
Noun
  • Some critics showed little sympathy, describing her as a quitter.
    — Scott Parrott, The Conversation, 26 May 2026
  • My cat, Boris, is not a quitter.
    — Marla Jo Fisher, Oc Register, 29 Apr. 2026
Definition of quitter

Browse Nearby Words

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punching bag
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Cite this Entry

“Punching bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punching%20bag. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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