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zap

verb

Definition of zapnext
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner zapped the annoying bug with a swatter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 zap Then a March heat wave zapped what little snow was left, prompting a statewide drought emergency. — Evan Bush, NBC news, 3 Aug. 2026 To reheat leftover tofu, pan fry it over medium to medium-high heat in your favorite cast iron, toss it in an air fryer, or zap it in the microwave. — Ali Francis, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026 The clicking was from our electric fence, which was always zapping some errant grass, a misbehaving sheep, or a horny bull. — Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026 The top spray instantly zaps away high temperatures, while forced convection in the lower puddle continuously draws away residual heat. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for zap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zap
  1. hit
  2. knock
  3. smack
  4. slap
  5. punch
  6. bang
  7. clap
  8. whack
Verb
  • The helicopter, which was used by NBC and Telemundo, crashed about two hours after police say Rios drove her 2004 Ford Expedition the wrong way down a busy avenue, ran a red light and struck a vehicle before hitting the bus.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Police say Rios drove her 2004 Ford Expedition the wrong way down a busy avenue, ran a red light, and struck another vehicle before hitting the Metro bus.
    — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • The biggest news of the NFL weekend came in Detroit, when the New Orleans Saints' defense knocked a Lions quarterback around, and the QB pitched the ball backwards.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
  • At one point, one individual appears to get knocked to the ground as others go to check on him.
    — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of knock
Verb
  • Dangbei rates it at 3,100 ISO lumens, which puts it pretty smack dab in the middle of projectors in this price range (MSRP is $1,999).
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Sep. 2026
  • That stretch started with the doubleheader sweep of the Detroit Tigers earlier this month, when Bazzana smacked a tying homer and a walk-off single in the nightcap.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of smack
Verb
  • Trump has slapped a 50% tariff on Canadian goods and plans to ban the country's dairy, alcohol and auto imports later this month, drawing retaliation from Ottawa.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
  • Texas quarterback Arch Manning has apologized for his public reaction to a video that was altered by AI to show Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe and knocking her to the ground.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of slap
Verb
  • His mother's Nordic heritage was the reason Campbell made his pro debut in the Icelandic league in 2021 in a nation which punches above its weight in developing soccer players.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Sep. 2026
  • If the convict can help transport the loot from that camp to a safe space far from the government’s prying eyes, the warden will punch his get-outta-jail-free card.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of punch
Verb
  • Both banged off the Tropicana Field catwalk in foul territory, nullifying the catch made on both of them.
    — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026
  • As the spot ends, the robot is left banging its head against a wall.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026
Definition of bang
Verb
  • After the tragedy in the stadium, Haymitch claps in front of the mostly empty, save for guards and Peacekeepers, stands.
    — Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026
  • There’s an almost comically blasé way in which the performers — who are used to such spectacles — go about their work an hour before thousands of audience members will gasp and clap at the same tricks.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of clap
Verb
  • And quantum mechanics that has been very hard to whack back actually.
    — Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026
  • But policing facial infringement is like playing whack-a-mole, Fan said.
    — Ling Wei, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of whack

Browse Nearby Words

zany
zap
zapped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 20 Sep. 2026.

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