View synonyms for punch line

punch line

noun

the climactic phrase or sentence in a joke, speech, advertisement, or humorous story that produces the desired effect.

punch line

noun

the culminating part of a joke, funny story, etc, that gives it its humorous or dramatic point

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of punch line¹

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Discover More

Example Sentences

That is until Curtis has a sucker punch line of dialogue that follows: “I know babies taste the best.”

From Salon

I had to unlearn the muscle memory of taking people to a poignant place and then relieving that tension with a punch line.

From Los Angeles Times

How happy it has been to discover my youthful ignorance as the true punch line.

From Los Angeles Times

The vice presidency has often served as the punch line in a long-running joke — that is, when the office and its occupant have gotten any attention at all.

From Los Angeles Times

And Vance has turned in a mixed performance on the campaign trail, struggling to turn anti-woke culture war material into punch lines.

From Salon

punching bag punch list

Browse