1
as in to pierce
to make a hole or series of holes in
a nail punctured the tire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stab
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
I could never puncture my own skin with a hypodermic needle
Synonyms & Similar 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 puncture
Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Soaking up uneven terrain is the job of dual independent suspension to the rear, there's a rear differential for stable cornering, and 20-inch cast aluminum wheels front and back are each wrapped in puncture-resistant Kenda rubber.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
Testing is also challenging, as finding a leak requires puncturing the spinal canal, which can create new leaks.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puncture
Noun
There were also punctures on the outer table of the skull, injuries to the teeth and tongue, and a hemorrhage into the chest cavities, according to the filing.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 27 Jan. 2026
Soaking up uneven terrain is the job of dual independent suspension to the rear, there's a rear differential for stable cornering, and 20-inch cast aluminum wheels front and back are each wrapped in puncture-resistant Kenda rubber.
—New Atlas, 16 Jan. 2026
Verb
But acupuncture pens offer the same benefits as traditional acupuncture without the need to puncture your skin.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 21 Jan. 2026
Testing is also challenging, as finding a leak requires puncturing the spinal canal, which can create new leaks.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 17 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for puncture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for puncture
Verb
-
From another ward not too far away, the piercing screams of a patient are audible.—
Sophia Saifi,
CNN Money,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The dress was a reference to Thierry Mugler’s bold and iconic spring couture 1998 runway show, in which Erica Vanbriel modeled the original nipple piercing dress.—
Alexandra Hildreth,
Vogue,
2 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The non-profit also found a teenager who stabbed people outside a mosque in Turkey appeared to have been influenced by nihilistic subcultures.—
Curt Devine,
CNN Money,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The 22-year-old daughter of Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate Jeff Johnson was allegedly stabbed to death by her husband Saturday in what police said was an apparent botched murder-suicide.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
While Pistons forward Tobias Harris was holding Diabate back, Diabate threw a punch at Duren.—
Steve Reed,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Pistons veteran Tobias Harris was holding back Diabate, when the latter threw a punch at Duren, escalating the whole situation.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Kennard drilled a three pointer off a pass from Reaves to give the Lakers a 92-88 lead in the fourth quarter.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Feb. 2026
-
In the winter, Govert comes out to the lake to drill holes in the ice to measure the thickness.—
Anna Ortiz,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Where Volkanovski is clearly better is at distance, using his technique to kick at Lopes and jab him.—
Brett Appley,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Donalds also used the opportunity to jab at Democratic gubernatorial rivals David Jolly and, particularly, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.—
Ryan Gillespie,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Van Der Beek later revealed that the tears weren’t scripted.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Feb. 2026
-
With help from her nurse, Lorraine, Jeanne sat up, and wiped tears from her eyes.—
Allegra Goodman,
Literary Hub,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Kimmel wasn’t the only late-night host to poke fun at TPUSA’s counter-program, born out of MAGA’s outcry over Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny headlining the Super Bowl halftime show.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The Americans, meanwhile, stayed on their best, most humble behavior afterward, trying not to poke the wounded bear.—
Kevin Baxter,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
When Warren went to pick her up at her parents' house, her brothers, Kevin, Reggie and Wayne, surrounded him.—
Everett Eaton,
jsonline.com,
10 Feb. 2026
-
These cities were picked for their real estate, ideal locations and unique activities.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Puncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/puncture. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
