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Recent Examples of punts
Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Jan. 2026
Miami punts The Hurricanes once again got past midfield, but Carson Beck was then sacked on back-to-back plays to force a Miami punt.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Five punts and a turnover on downs, coming on the fake punt.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
Six punts have been returned for a touchdown — a dramatic spike considering that the league saw only six touchdowns scored off punt returns all of last season.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
During his collegiate career, the speedy 5-foot-10 receiver returned two punts for touchdowns and led the ACC in punts returned and punt return yards.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Perich had 502 return yards last season (314 on kicks, 188 on punts) and his 60-yard punt return helped the Gophers stake a fourth-quarter comeback in a close loss to Michigan in September.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2025
Noun
On previous punts in the game, the Panthers had not been as aggressive in trying to block the punt, the edge rusher taking two steps before turning around to block for the returner.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 11 Jan. 2026
Miami punts The Hurricanes once again got past midfield, but Carson Beck was then sacked on back-to-back plays to force a Miami punt.
—Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Five punts and a turnover on downs, coming on the fake punt.
—Hunter Bailey, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2025
Six punts have been returned for a touchdown — a dramatic spike considering that the league saw only six touchdowns scored off punt returns all of last season.
—Mike Jones, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025
During his collegiate career, the speedy 5-foot-10 receiver returned two punts for touchdowns and led the ACC in punts returned and punt return yards.
—Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025
Perich had 502 return yards last season (314 on kicks, 188 on punts) and his 60-yard punt return helped the Gophers stake a fourth-quarter comeback in a close loss to Michigan in September.
—Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 12 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for punts
Noun
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Pão de queijo, as moreish as popcorn, manioc gnocchi, rock-pool sea urchins and Tainha fish, caught by local fishermen who still use traditional canoes and spears, are all served on banana leaves on a wooden table outdoors.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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The tour ends at the Scar Trees, which are a group of trees that had their bark removed by Aboriginal Peoples for various purposes, including crafting items like canoes or shields.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At age 69, Lynn Ianni is a pickleball whiz, zipping from dinks to drives energetically.—
Graham Kates,
CBS News,
9 Mar. 2026
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Hayden Patriquin at times is a literal sorcerer on the court, hitting impossible half volleys and dinks from angles that are unhittable.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The plane’s pieces are now, in effect, life rafts (though there are some actual oversize yellow inflatable rafts aboard that will come into play).—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
25 Apr. 2026
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The rafts have to be able to withstand exposure for 30 days, according to a code put out by the International Maritime Organization.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Financially, Venus in Gemini can also inspire smart deals, side hustles, networking opportunities or gigs that arrive through messages, referrals and connections.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 Apr. 2026
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The former head coach at Oregon and UCLA, as well as for two NFL teams, headed to Evanston after OC gigs at Ohio State in 2024 and with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.—
Eric Olson,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The same skiffs also take you to nearby lakes for a spot of swimming or piranha fishing; and on visits to remote villages.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Mar. 2026
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In addition to the impeccable service, fine dining, and luxury accommodations, one constant was our daily sightings of pink dolphins that would play around the boat and our skiffs during our four-night sailing.—
Jeri Clausing,
AFAR Media,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Golden mussels clog the thruster and decorate the underside of his dinghies.—
CalMatters,
Mercury News,
6 Nov. 2025
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Dozens have died in recent years trying to cross one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes in overcrowded dinghies.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Punts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/punts. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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