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Showing results for punch up. Search instead for punched+up.
Definitions

punch up

[puhnch-uhp] / ˈpʌntʃˌʌp /
VERB
brighten
Synonyms
STRONGEST
clear up enliven illuminate light up lighten
STRONG
burnish gleam illumine intensify kindle polish
WEAK
buff up grow sunny spiff up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
complicate darken dull
WEAK
deepen depress fade upset
VERB
fortify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
brace build up buttress consolidate entrench protect reinforce secure shore up step up strengthen
STRONG
bulwark embattle garrison gird prepare prop ready steel support
WEAK
charge up soup up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
harm hurt injure let down let go loosen unfasten weaken
STRONG
neglect
WEAK
decrease discourage dissuade
VERB
fortify
Synonyms
STRONGEST
brace build up embolden energize invigorate reinforce restore strengthen
STRONG
arouse cheer confirm enliven hearten rally refresh renew rouse stiffen stir sustain
WEAK
buck up pour it on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
dishearten hurt weaken
STRONG
bore bring down calm depress discourage dull halt stop
WEAK
decrease dissuade injure
VERB
reinforce
Synonyms
STRONGEST
add to bolster boost build up buttress emphasize enlarge fortify increase shore up stress support underline
STRONG
carry energize harden hype multiply prop stiffen stroke supplement sustain toughen
WEAK
add fuel to fire back up beef up heat up lend a hand pick up pillar prop up soup up stand up for
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decrease diminish discourage hinder hurt lessen let down play down prevent reduce undermine weaken
STRONG
liquefy melt soften
WEAK
subtract take away
VERB
supplement
Synonyms
STRONGEST
augment build up buttress complement enhance enrich fill out fortify improve reinforce strengthen subsidize
STRONG
complete extend increase pad supply top
WEAK
add fuel to fire beef up fill up heat up jazz up step up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
decrease discourage dissuade hurt injure let down reduce take away weaken worsen
STRONG
lose lower
WEAK
subtract

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Cheetahs are a compact, spirited outfit led by veteran striker Steve Mounie, but lack punch up front.

From Barron's • Jan. 1, 2026

In 2016, there were allegations of a punch up between two UK Independence Party members of the European Parliament.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2025

Comedians are meant to punch up, not down.

From Salon • Jan. 13, 2024

I didn’t expect much from the Rams this season, yet their strong performances against San Francisco and Philadelphia, the only remaining undefeated teams, show they can punch up.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 10, 2023

"I shouldn't think one could make good hot mixed punch up in a balloon, now," observed Mr. Bagges, reflectively.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol. 2, No. 8, January, 1851 by Various

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