punching bag

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.

A slow start to these playoffs and last year’s postseason struggles made Reaves an online punching bag for fan frustrations.

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Behind him, some of the young athletes faced each other in the ring surrounded by cheering gymmates, while others trained on a punching bag.

From Barron's • Feb. 10, 2026

A punching bag painted by Basquiat features his signature crown motif atop the words “Mary Boone™.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 21, 2025

The fight percolated predictably from there, rising in intensity, until Jessica Tarlov—the liberal punching bag on Fox’s The Five—broke things up.

From Slate • Nov. 19, 2025

I turned toward the punching bag, opened my fist, and wrapped my arms around it.

From "When I Was the Greatest" by Jason Reynolds