as in belly
an enlarged or bulging abdomen
Santa is depicted as a white-bearded man with a big paunch
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of paunch
Still — the slim build, though it’s now accented with a slight paunch.
—
Mitchell S. Jackson, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023
And after conferring with Haynes, Melton decided to gain 40 pounds for the role, smoothing out his sharp jawline and adding a suburban-dad paunch.
—Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 26 Nov. 2023
My bullet had hit behind the shoulder and exited the paunch.
—Will Brantley, Field & Stream, 7 Sep. 2023
He’s played by Slattery’s Mad Men compatriot Jon Hamm with a bit of a scruff, a bit of a paunch, and a touch of melancholy.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for paunch
Mitchell S. Jackson, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023
And after conferring with Haynes, Melton decided to gain 40 pounds for the role, smoothing out his sharp jawline and adding a suburban-dad paunch.
—Kyle Buchanan, New York Times, 26 Nov. 2023
My bullet had hit behind the shoulder and exited the paunch.
—Will Brantley, Field & Stream, 7 Sep. 2023
He’s played by Slattery’s Mad Men compatriot Jon Hamm with a bit of a scruff, a bit of a paunch, and a touch of melancholy.
—Sheri Linden, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 June 2023
See All Example Sentences for paunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paunch
Noun
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The Trump crypto train comes to Dubai The bullish energy of the yacht party — complete with open bars, teppanyaki grills and Vegas-style belly dancers wearing feather headdresses — matched the unbridled optimism currently pulsing through the global crypto community.—
Natasha Turak,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
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An optional belly band designed for newborns up to three months tracks breathing movements, providing extra reassurance for new parents.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
22 May 2025
Noun
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The 9-year-old Indiana boy told his parents his stomach hurt.—
Stephanie Armour,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2025
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Dandelions have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries to treat various issues, including stomach problems and inflammation.—
Catharine Malzahn,
Glamour,
28 May 2025
Noun
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For Valenti’s current foster pig, a black and white potbelly named Arnold, that means screaming around 5 p.m. demanding to be fed for dinner time or digging up acorns buried by squirrels in the backyard.—
Carolyn Stein,
Chicago Tribune,
15 Feb. 2025
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The train car features a sitting area, kitchenette, gas potbelly stove, bathroom and king-sized bed.—
Celia Fernandez,Mickey Todiwala,
CNBC,
11 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Paunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paunch. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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