spanking 1 of 3

adjective

ˈspaŋ-kiŋ How to pronounce spanking (audio)
Definition of spankingnext
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement a spanking and speedy little horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spanking

2 of 3

adverb

as in very
to a great degree the bathroom tiles were spanking white when she finished cleaning them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spanking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of spank
as in smacking

Related 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 spanking
Adjective
The rapper born Jeffrey Bruce Atkins was all over the place, promoting his spanking new Amber & Opal, a top shelf honey botanical whiskey. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025 Owner Ted Leonsis will not move to a spanking new facility in Northern Virginia. — Andrew Van Dam, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
Adverb
There was Vice President Biden's inaugural bromance selfie with President Obama on his brand spanking new Instagram account. — Christina Capatides, CBS News, 11 May 2018 Is this just about opportunistic politicians dipping into state coffers so they can be photographed cutting the ribbon at a spanking new factory? — New York Times, 8 May 2018 See All Example Sentences for spanking
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spanking
  1. animated
  2. very
  3. smacking
  4. lively
  5. extremely
  6. knocking
  7. energetic
  8. damn
Adjective
  • But that’s all to the good for this rare example of original animated storytelling in a sea of IP and sequels.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Both players are intense and animated competitors, and their fan bases' are fiercely loyal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of animated
Adverb
  • The hotel is very grown up, and therefore not exactly relaxing with very young kids (or, at least, not with my kid)—although children are not discouraged.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Thirteen are rated at very high risk or in default, and 23 have no rating from the big agencies, which cuts them from international bond markets.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of very
Verb
  • But Varma and Shivam Dube (27) upped the ante in the final three overs by smacking 57 runs against Sufyan Moqim, Ayub and Ahmed Daniyal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Carrington was ejected from the game in the first half after smacking Cunningham across the face during Cunningham's layup attempt.
    — Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of smacking
Adjective
  • Mercury in your sign squares Mars in your 10th House, putting your voice, identity, and public responsibilities into a lively tug-of-war.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Each Lucas Duplan set will feature songs crafted to satisfy Miami’s appetite for electronic music and a lively nightlife.
    — William Jones, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of lively
Adverb
  • Eco effort D’Inghilterra’s sustainability efforts stand out at Café Romano where the ingredients are local and extremely fresh—the chef likely selected the veggies in your salad from the market that morning.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Arrests near schools or colleges have increased, though enforcement actions on campuses are extremely uncommon.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of extremely
Verb
  • For the hearing impaired, select rooms feature visual fire alarms plus signals for telephone ringing and door knocking.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Political handicapping has a way of knocking people down a couple of notches.
    — Nathan Gonzales CQ-Roll Call, Arkansas Online, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of knocking
Adjective
  • By studying what happens when these energetic particles collide with target materials, scientists can investigate the shapes and sizes of atomic nuclei.
    — Andrea Richard, The Conversation, 2 Oct. 2026
  • About 35 times more energetic than any neutrino seen before, it was picked up by the under-construction Cubic Kilometer Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) detector off the coast of Sicily.
    — Jonathan O'Callaghan, Scientific American, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of energetic
Adverb
  • In fact, call it South Park or South America, the result was still damn good.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026
  • This guy’s a good football player, damn good football player, massive, really strong with his hands.
    — Jon Machota, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of damn

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Cite this Entry

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

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