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
Art critics agree Howe’s style was punctuated by dynamic motion, bright colors and pristine lines.
—Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
The duo’s elegant arrangements of traditional instruments and construction of haunting soundscapes are perfectly in tune with characters whose difficult lives are punctuated by moments of joy and hope.
—Richard Kuipers, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Popular pop and country songs blaring over the sound system were punctuated by an Italian opera aria, and finally the warm-up speakers, all local politicians, made their dutiful speeches.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
As the slow food movement is punctuated by cooking with seasonal produce, so traveling in tune with the seasons reminds us to reconnect to and care for the planet.
—Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
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Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
The duo’s elegant arrangements of traditional instruments and construction of haunting soundscapes are perfectly in tune with characters whose difficult lives are punctuated by moments of joy and hope.
—Richard Kuipers, Variety, 19 Nov. 2024
Popular pop and country songs blaring over the sound system were punctuated by an Italian opera aria, and finally the warm-up speakers, all local politicians, made their dutiful speeches.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
As the slow food movement is punctuated by cooking with seasonal produce, so traveling in tune with the seasons reminds us to reconnect to and care for the planet.
—Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for punctuate
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Dictionary Entries Near punctuate
Cite this Entry
“Punctuate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/punctuate. Accessed 1 Dec. 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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