1
as in indictment
a formal claim of criminal wrongdoing against a person
the headlines in the paper today are all about the mayor facing an embezzlement rap
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
the doctor used a little hammer to give me a rap on the knee to test my reflexes
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3
as in blame
responsibility for wrongdoing or failure
would sooner take the rap for the missing money than tell on his friend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in chat
friendly, informal conversation or an instance of this
after our pickup softball game, I had a friendly rap with a couple of the guys in the park
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as in damn
the smallest amount or part imaginable
I don't care a rap about losing that old jacket
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1
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
a childhood memory of the time he got his knuckles rapped for trying to steal candy from the corner store
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2
as in to drum
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically
the impatient man was rapping his knuckles on the door, hoping to wake up the sleeping attendant
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as in to chat
to engage in casual or rambling conversation
the guys at the gym never seem to tire about rapping about basketball
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1
as in to entrance
to fill with overwhelming emotion (as wonder or delight)
concertgoers were utterly rapped by the power of Handel's oratorio
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2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
suddenly the hawk swooped down and rapped the unwary rodent
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of rap
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
Produced by Pharrell Williams, the track was released in January amid Tip’s announcement that his upcoming 12th solo studio album, Kill the King, will be his last before officially ending his rap career.
—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
28 June 2026
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
Jarico Anderson, who raps under the stage name Dreamllife Rizzy, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, court records show.
—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rap
Noun
Chicken dishes often get a bad rap—for being boring or dry or just not all that exciting.
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Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
29 June 2026
Produced by Pharrell Williams, the track was released in January amid Tip’s announcement that his upcoming 12th solo studio album, Kill the King, will be his last before officially ending his rap career.
—
Preezy Brown,
VIBE.com,
28 June 2026
Verb
Police said he had been removed from admittance because all available seats were taken, prompting Loevy to rap on the building’s glass entrance door, which broke.
—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
Jarico Anderson, who raps under the stage name Dreamllife Rizzy, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, court records show.
—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for rap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rap
Noun
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Plascencia demanded Davis either compensate the losing bets or make Beasley fix more games, according to the indictment.
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Former Lakers Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were charged with wire fraud conspiracy and bribery in sporting contests by federal prosecutors in a sweeping indictment that included four other co-conspirators.
Noun
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While dealing real damage, Moscow’s ability to adapt has prevented Ukraine’s drone campaign from dealing the decisive blow Kyiv’s allies had hoped.
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Apple could still handle the iPhone differently by raising only Pro model prices, adjusting storage tiers, leaning on carrier promotions or pushing trade-in offers harder to soften the blow.
Noun
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If emotions rise, pause to name the concern, then restate the common goal so the discussion shifts from blame toward practical steps and timelines everyone trusts.
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The blame game does not work anymore.
Noun
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The association has sent emails in recent months reminding residents not to violate the clause, including in group chats.
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Executive coffee chats create low-barrier access to decision-makers.
Noun
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And if that is to be the case, most Chicagoans do not give a damn whether the team goes to Arlington Heights or Hammond.
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In a world of drivers mostly ruled by their corporate sponsors, Busch was an otherworldly talent who simply did not give a damn.
Verb
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Against Cardinals’ starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore, the Braves mustered just one hit and one run through five innings of an eventual 5-3 loss.
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Thomas had hit a leadoff double, but Michael Massey, Salvador Perez and John Rave failed to drive him in.
Verb
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At the track’s apex Korten explodes in and out of dissonant broken chords against Mark Shim’s angular saxophone lines, an unexpected development that sneaks up on you thanks to Sorey’s sticky, slowly evolving drumming.
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The San Jose Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drum band will be piping and drumming at Willow Glen Town Square on Lincoln Avenue, and a pop-up choir will be roaming VTA light-rail trains and stations throughout the day.
Verb
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Before assuming the new borrowing limits apply to you, talk with your financial aid office.
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Above, her mother’s brother, Abdullahi Mohamed, cradled a cup of tea in his hands and talked to her parents about their Central Avenue community, the news of the day and the global events that dominated the early 2000s.
Cite this Entry
“Rap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rap. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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