tap 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈtap How to pronounce tap (audio)
Definition of tapnext
as in to drum
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically tapped her foot in time to the music kept tapping the desk with his pencil

Synonyms & Similar Words

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tap

2 of 3

verb (2)

as in to drain
to remove (liquid) gradually or completely the oil company tapped that first well completely dry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tap

3 of 3

noun

as in valve
a fixture for controlling the flow of a liquid turn the tap to the right for cold water and to the left for hot water

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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 tap
Verb
On the Japanese side of the intervention, Tokyo also refrained from selling Treasuries and instead tapped an obscure Federal Reserve tool called the Foreign and International Monetary Authorities Repo Facility. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 9 Aug. 2026 The Davalls tapped local architects Kate Campbell and Beau Clowney to update the home for more functional living while maintaining its integrity. — Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026 Yes, the bond market is tapping the brakes that Warsh seems reluctant to talk about touching. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026 The timing shook out nicely, considering Berg would go on to be tapped to succeed Don Garber as MLS’ next commissioner and has subsequently been tasked with unloading his sizable ownership stake in LAFC. — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tap
  1. drum
  2. drain
  3. valve
  4. bang
  5. pump
Verb
  • On the island, Heiva i Tahiti has been celebrated every July since, with traditional dance, drumming, singing and sports, such as javelin throwing and canoe races.
    — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • From sacred chants and tribal drumming to protest songs, stadium anthems and dance floors, music has long brought people together through sound, ritual and meaning.
    — Bija Bennett, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of drum
Verb
  • Your table is ready, the waiter said, and Rebecca drained her glass and stood.
    — Emma Cline, New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Most of the region’s sewers were engineered generations ago to drain well under 2 inches of rain per hour, and a cloudburst can deliver double that amount.
    — Ravi S. Bhalla, New York Daily News, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of drain
Noun
  • Utilities use them to trip the opening or closing of valves when water levels reach a certain threshold or to dispense precise amounts of chlorine in the treatment process.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • One malfunctioning valve has been identified as the reason why Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a test that destroyed much of the company’s launch pad in Cape Canaveral.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of valve
Verb
  • There are some beautiful split-diopter shots, and the period soundtrack — Ultravox, Fleetwood Mac, Peter Gabriel, Blondie — is banging.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Loud rattling or banging from the AC unit could also be caused by a broken part.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of bang
Verb
  • Hydroelectric equipment initially powered construction machinery, while surplus electricity supported pumping and served Phoenix customers.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The pump should immediately turn on and begin pumping water out.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of pump

Phrases Containing tap

Browse Nearby Words

tantrums
tap
tap-dance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tap. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tap

Nglish: Translation of tap for Spanish Speakers

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