punch line

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.

Despite the anguish — often told as a punch line — the winner of the competition offered a glimmer of hope to the nearly 90 attendees live-voting throughout the show via an app.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

Her response to questions about the DOJ’s failure to prosecute Epstein’s accomplices with the statement “the Dow is over $50,000 right now” became an immediate punch line.

From Slate • Apr. 2, 2026

Chinese culture may be of genuine interest to many users, but online, it’s destined to become an exotic punch line.

From Slate • Mar. 13, 2026

Bronny James has been their most improved player simply by morphing from a punch line into, well, a player.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2025

Within minutes, she’d blabbed to everyone, making it sound like a big joke—with Jess and the twins as the punch line.

From "I Survived the Eruption of Mount St. Helens, 1980" by Lauren Tarshis