Synonyms for

Punt

Verb / pʌnt / Another word for punt — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to kick a ball with the foot before it touches the ground

Synonyms & similar words

pole stake punting beton pound back irishpound irishpunt gage game kick boot drop-kick place-kick strike knock bump bang thump slap whack hit smack tap tip touch nudge prod poke jab

Synonyms by register

Formal

kick propel launch discharge

Informal

boot kick heave chuck

Literary

cast fling hurl

Antonyms

catch receive hold keep retain accept

Common collocations

  • punt the ball
  • punt it
  • punt return
  • punt formation
  • punt downfield
  • punt for a touchdown
  • punt the football

Word family

noun punt
verb punt

Usage note

Primarily used in American football to describe kicking the ball to the opposing team. Can also refer to abandoning or giving up on something.

Example sentences

  1. He decided to punt the ball instead of passing it.
  2. The punter kicked the ball high into the air.
  3. She was able to punt the ball over the other team's defense.
  4. He practiced his punting skills every day after school.
  5. The football coach told the punter to aim for the sideline.

Quotes

  • Football is a game of inches, and sometimes those inches are the difference between a touchdown and a punt.
  • Punters are people too.
  • A punter can make or break a football game.

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