spanking 1 of 3

Definition of spankingnext

spanking

2 of 3

adverb

spanking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of spank

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
We’d been regularly hit by our father with a spanking spoon for talking back and fighting. Lyz Lenz, Rolling Stone, 16 Feb. 2024 But the 98-room hotel — occupying floors 40 to 45 of a spanking new mixed-use tower above Tokyo Station in the salary-man district of Chiyoda — is also a first for the brand. Christopher Cameron, Robb Report, 16 May 2023
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
Adjective
  • The company is taking advantage of California’s recent changes to the tax incentive program expanding the eligible categories of production to include animated movies.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Wichí people inhabit an animated world.
    María Carri, Artforum, 16 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • No, that stuff is all incredible and very much the result of good fortune in my career.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 26 Apr. 2026
  • What a treat to have both of these very different revivals opening on Broadway in a matter of days.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The flashes were caused by rocky objects smacking into the lunar surface, and the astronauts’ observations of them caused scientists in Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center to erupt in cheers.
    Denise Chow, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026
  • De Kock smashed eight boundaries and seven sixes and Dhir complemented his South African teammate by smacking three fours and three sixes in the century partnership.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This lively street—lined with elegant colonial homes and cozy cafes and restaurants—culminates at the iconic Ex-Convento de San Bernardino de Siena, known for its nightly video-mapping shows projected in Spanish and in English.
    Regina Zumarraga, Travel + Leisure, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The suit included some versions of Indiana’s trademark work, LOVE, which depicts the word love in lively serif characters, the LO situated atop the VE, with the O placed at an angle.
    Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • These special releases can be extremely valuable, especially if only a small batch is issued.
    Nina Derwin, Martha Stewart, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The innermost region of any solar system, closest to the parent star, will be extremely hot and subject to large amounts of radiation.
    Big Think, Big Think, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Iranians have been knocking around in the United States’ critical infrastructure for years.
    Sue Halpern, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Serve it at room temperature so the salad on top won't wilt (and the cooking is complete before the guests come knocking).
    Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • In the hours before the dinner, the blocks surrounding the Hilton were already jammed with cars, onlookers, and energetic protesters.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The build from the back at all costs, but with relatively no clear shape, and a huge risk / reward dynamic is not what a youthful energetic team should be doing.
    Simon Johnson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • And therein lies screenwriter John Logan’s and director Antoine Fuqua’s damn near insurmountable hurdle.
    Keith Murphy, VIBE.com, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Williams was a damn good running back, even earning All-Pro honors in 2002, but McNabb wound up being selected to six Pro Bowls and even led the Eagles to within a few minutes of winning the franchise's first Super Bowl.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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