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
Synonyms
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
The ‘Stangs lost big to No. 4 Palmer Ridge (44-7) and No. 1 Dakota Ridge (36-7) in the first six weeks but enter November on a four-game heater punctuated by a 45-34 victory over Heritage.
—Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
At age 14, my life became a state of constant exhaustion, punctuated by doctors’ visits that, months later, would lead to a Long COVID diagnosis.
—Alana Kaufman, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
The singing and sermons were punctuated by calls for justice.
—CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024
But his tenure has also been punctuated by a number of chastening defeats and performances over the last two seasons have heaped pressure on the manager.
—Ben Church, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024
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Matt Schubert, The Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2024
At age 14, my life became a state of constant exhaustion, punctuated by doctors’ visits that, months later, would lead to a Long COVID diagnosis.
—Alana Kaufman, TIME, 4 Nov. 2024
The singing and sermons were punctuated by calls for justice.
—CBS News, 2 Nov. 2024
But his tenure has also been punctuated by a number of chastening defeats and performances over the last two seasons have heaped pressure on the manager.
—Ben Church, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for punctuate
Articles Related to punctuate
Dictionary Entries Near punctuate
Cite this Entry
“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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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