punchy

adjective

ˈpən-chē How to pronounce punchy (audio)
Definition of punchynext
as in dazed
suffering from mental confusion feeling a little punchy after being up half the night with a crying baby

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 punchy Arugula contains glucosinolates, the natural compounds behind its punchy smell and bitter kick. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 At the start of his own journey, Rodriguez was hopeful the judges would enjoy his punchy performances. — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Sep. 2026 His punchy, slightly cornball charm, combined with a winning smile that neatly masked his Nixonian ambition, cemented Mulroney’s status as a modern Canadian politician, someone willing to lead the nation through the 1980s into an uncertain future. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026 Each nail pairs two punchy shades for a mismatched look that feels right at home in Harry’s colorful world. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punchy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punchy
  1. dazed
  2. confused
  3. bewildered
  4. distracted
  5. dizzy
  6. stunned
Adjective
  • But the man simply stood there with a dazed expression on his face, swaying gently in the living room of their small, cramped flat, like a lone tree in the breeze.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Laiken Randolph appeared dazed, and possibly on drugs, officers remarked.
    — Brittany Wallman, Miami Herald, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of dazed
Adjective
  • On-the-ground responders became confused by a deluge of 911 calls.
    — Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Blandino was happy to have scored an invite, even if fans were confused.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of confused
Adjective
  • But Iñárritu’s caricatures become people in a way Kubrick’s don’t; as the bewildered President, for example, John Goodman is simultaneously grounded and theatrical in his presentation, recalling his best work with the Coen brothers.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Five o’clock Saturday, the Riverside Stadium and Middlesbrough head coach Kim Hellberg is fist-pumping a half-bewildered but fully enthused home crowd.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of bewildered
Adjective
  • The proprietary clipguard technology that comes with it drastically reduces distortion and a internal pop filter to prevent plosive breath noise so listeners aren't distracted.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026
  • When leaders are rushing and distracted, people quietly withdraw.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of distracted
Adjective
  • To that end, there are questions about whether Mayich and his teammates had access to sufficient water and the degree of attention ASU paid to his initial symptoms, including feeling dizzy.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Back in June, Richie cut a performance short after speaking on stage about feeling dizzy, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported at the time.
    — Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 22 Sep. 2026
Definition of dizzy
Adjective
  • As Bijan Robinson raced down the sideline and the rest of his Falcons teammates sprinted in pursuit, a mixture of an eerie hush and a stunned buzz fell over Caesars Superdome from a crowd still not entirely settled in its seats.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • The record closed out the 13-song set, which ended in a staggering high note from Spiro and a standing ovation from a stunned ACL audience.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of stunned

Browse Nearby Words

punch-ups
punchy
punctilious
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Cite this Entry

“Punchy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punchy. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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