1
2
as in to splash
to flow in a broken irregular stream
the creek lapped along through the ravine before collecting in the pond
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another
the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely
this recording of the symphony is sure to lap listeners in stereophonic bliss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of lap
Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 27 June 2025
The momentum on Capitol Hill comes as Trump is taking a victory lap following a number of key wins at the Supreme Court earlier in the day.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 27 June 2025
Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
About 2,000 shelters were opened across Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, and over 18,000 first responders were mobilized
At first light Thursday, Acapulco awoke under ominous dark clouds, but without a drop of rain and small waves lapping at its central beach.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lap
Noun
Trump took a victory lap in a rare appearance in the White House briefing room shortly after the decision came down.
—Devin Dwyer, ABC News, 27 June 2025
The momentum on Capitol Hill comes as Trump is taking a victory lap following a number of key wins at the Supreme Court earlier in the day.
—The Hill Staff, The Hill, 27 June 2025
Verb
The childlike joy of lapping up ice cream rolled in peanuts and cilantro during a scorching Taipei summer is channeled into a bracing milk punch named Run Bing With Nai Nai, blending smoky-sweet rhubarb liqueur with oolong tea and Mexican peanut candies.
—Joseph Hernandez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 May 2025
About 2,000 shelters were opened across Chiapas, Guerrero, and Oaxaca, and over 18,000 first responders were mobilized
At first light Thursday, Acapulco awoke under ominous dark clouds, but without a drop of rain and small waves lapping at its central beach.
—Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
-
At one point, a finalist lifted their leg to reveal their bloodied toes and the remains of a shredded shoe.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 July 2025
-
After 29 months, six distinct legs, and 130 concerts across practically every corner of Europe and North America, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band finally wrapped up their world tour Thursday evening at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy.—
Andy Greene,
Rolling Stone,
4 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share