spanking 1 of 3

adjective

ˈspaŋ-kiŋ How to pronounce spanking (audio)
Definition of spankingnext
as in animated
having much high-spirited energy and movement a spanking and speedy little horse

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spanking

2 of 3

adverb

as in very
to a great degree the bathroom tiles were spanking white when she finished cleaning them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

spanking

3 of 3

verb

present participle of spank
as in smacking

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 spanking
Adjective
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 My Cat looks tiny and out-of-place among the spanking new hot rods parked out front. — John Schandelmeier, Anchorage Daily News, 26 Mar. 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
  1. animated
  2. very
  3. lively
  4. extremely
  5. energetic
  6. whipping
  7. active
  8. damned
Adjective
  • This means that the growing international voting bloc is an Oscar force to be reckoned with for animated feature.
    — Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2025
  • For both the animated and live-action cinematic work, the storyboards can help the film team understand how to shoot the scenes, anticipate possible difficulties, and facilitate the actors in understanding their characters and the special settings.
    — PhotoVogue, Vogue, 21 Feb. 2025
Definition of animated
Adverb
  • After narrowly surviving the very injured Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night, 131-126, the Denver Nuggets are slated to square off against the lowly Washington Wizards on the second night of a back-to-back tilt.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Cuddly companions, Onyx and Loki, are 6-year-old cat brothers seeking a very special new home.
    — Staff report, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of very
Adjective
  • The popularity of this area is booming, with creatives and entrepreneurs enjoying the proximity to both nature and a lively community.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Located in the lively South Lamar enclave, Zilker Studios also showcases its designer’s flair for space efficiency.
    — Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of lively
Adverb
  • The calming mix of colloidal oatmeal, beta-glucan (a skin repairing molecule that smooths rough skin), and glycerin is extremely gentle and more than suitable for sensitive skin, too.
    — Mary Honkus, Glamour, 15 Mar. 2025
  • There was a lot of extremely negative feedback and people would not hold back.
    — Angel Saunders, People.com, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of extremely
Adjective
  • He's been a warrior, always bouncing back to his energetic self.
    — Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Impressions of the week: This was a fantastic week in Paris — energetic and full of strong debuts.
    — Rhonda Richford, WWD, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of energetic
Verb
  • Elle was also seen whipping her hands in a circle to the music during the awards ceremony.
    — Stephanie Wenger, People.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • This instant camera captures little moments and big occasions on film, which feels a little more special than whipping out an iPhone.
    — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 2 Jan. 2025
Definition of whipping
Adjective
  • The Algarve appeals to most prospective expats who enjoy a mild climate, abundant sunshine, beautiful coastlines, friendly communities, and active lifestyle.
    — Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Schmidt is also taking an active hand in operations.
    — Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of active
Adverb
  • The combo of that large, efficient head; the dampening factor of the wood handle; and a nice texture at the base of the grip just felt so damned good, strike after strike.
    — Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 20 Nov. 2024
  • Still, Moore is pretty damned great — this could almost be her Fly.
    — Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 20 Sep. 2024
Definition of damned

Browse Nearby Words

spanking
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spanking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spanking. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on spanking

Nglish: Translation of spanking for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Flower Etymologies For Your Spring Garden
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
dog-in-disguise
Rhyme Disguise Quiz Pair up words that look different but sound alike.
See All