punctuate
verb
punc·tu·ate
ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt 
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide (written matter) with punctuation marks
2
: to break into or interrupt at intervals
The steady click of her needles punctuated the silence …—
Edith Wharton
Edith Wharton3
: to use punctuation marks
Examples of punctuate in a Sentence
Do you know how to punctuate a sentence correctly?
punctuated each and every word of his denial with a pound of his fist on the table
Recent Examples on the Web
That goes for much here, from the light that scurries away from Benjamín Echazarreta’s muted camera, to the moments of sweetness that punctuate Mariá Portugal’s largely ominous score.
—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2026
Tucker’s rapid-fire delivery is punctuated with sound effects, music cues, and the use of a variety of props dangling from his person at all times (including handcuffs, a wad of cash, and two guns).
—Malina Saval, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
The scalloped edge is punctuated by double tassels carefully placed along the edge of the all-weather Sunbrella fabric that promises to repel mildew or prevent fading.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026
The full route takes 30 to 35 days, but shorter sections — punctuated by Mediterranean swim stops — are just as rewarding.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctuate
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Jessica Kiang, Variety, 14 May 2026
Tucker’s rapid-fire delivery is punctuated with sound effects, music cues, and the use of a variety of props dangling from his person at all times (including handcuffs, a wad of cash, and two guns).
—Malina Saval, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
The scalloped edge is punctuated by double tassels carefully placed along the edge of the all-weather Sunbrella fabric that promises to repel mildew or prevent fading.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026
The full route takes 30 to 35 days, but shorter sections — punctuated by Mediterranean swim stops — are just as rewarding.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for punctuate
Cite this Entry
“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
punctuate
verb
punc·tu·ate
ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt
punctuated; punctuating
1
: to mark or divide with punctuation marks
2
: to interrupt at intervals
a speech punctuated by a harsh cough
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