punctuate

1 of 2

verb

punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
punctuated; punctuating
Synonyms of punctuatenext

transitive verb

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
3
: accentuate, emphasize

intransitive verb

: to use punctuation marks
punctuator
ˈpəŋk-chə-ˌwā-tər How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
noun

punctuator

2 of 2

noun

punc·​tu·​a·​tor -tə(r) How to pronounce punctuator (audio)
plural -s
: one that punctuates

Synonyms of punctuate

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Verb

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Examples of punctuate in a Sentence

Verb 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
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.
Verb
Ohtani punctuated the series by swatting three solo homers and striking out 10 over six shutout innings in Game 4. — ABC News, 10 Oct. 2026 Far away from the ceaseless whirring of small aircraft transporting tourists on aerial tours of the falls, this stillness, punctuated only by birdsong, feels beautifully restorative. — Charukesi Ramadurai, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 Massive gold chandelier earrings, a matching ring stack, a bronze clutch, and sheer pumps in the same brown hue punctuated her look. — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 9 Oct. 2026 At Roberto Cavalli, makeup artist Yadim had the same inclination for highly pigmented metallic shades, a choice that punctuated key looks also at Jil Sander. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for punctuate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Medieval Latin punctuatus, past participle of punctuare to point, provide with punctuation marks, from Latin punctus point

Noun

punctuate + -or

First Known Use

Verb

circa 1766, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of punctuate was circa 1766

Rhymes for punctuate

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Browse Nearby Words

punctualness
punctuate
punctuated equilibrium
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

punctuate

verb
punc·​tu·​ate ˈpəŋ(k)-chə-ˌwāt How to pronounce punctuate (audio)
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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