punctuate
verb (used with object)
to mark or divide (something written) with punctuation marks in order to make the meaning clear.
punctuated
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past participleof punctuate.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof punctuate.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
punctuateverb (used with object)to mark or divide (something written) with punctuation marks in order to make the meaning clear.
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.
It has become normal for pupils to start at 8am and finish as late as 6pm, but the days are punctuated by hours-long gaps because of bad planning and staff shortages.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026
"In this new wave, it's women who are taking the lead, with writing often tinged with feminism, but also often quite dark and violent, punctuated by surreal touches," she noted.
From Barron's ● Oct. 1, 2026
The move follows a summer punctuated by reports of artificial-intelligence systems industrywide going rogue, and marks a rare case of a major AI developer ditching a new release because of safety concerns.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 29, 2026
But we experienced unprecedented heat for the time of year, punctuated by cold, damp days and followed by unexpectedly chilly nights.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 11, 2026
There was a muffled argument, punctuated by squeaks, bumps and complaining remarks.
From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White
