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
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Recent Examples of zap
That, paired with a mechanical issue that zapped his pull-side power and created more pop-ups, were a nasty combo for a first baseman expected to slug.
—
Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
Porzingis was limited to 42 games a year ago for the Boston Celtics in part because of an energy-zapping illness.
—Sam Gordon, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Feb. 2026
Between freezing air outside and bone-dry heat indoors, moisture gets zapped fast, leaving behind frizz, static, and ends that feel crunchy.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Feb. 2026
His power was zapped, and his plate approach eroded, which led to him chasing more pitches outside the strike zone.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zap
Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 9 Mar. 2026
Porzingis was limited to 42 games a year ago for the Boston Celtics in part because of an energy-zapping illness.
—Sam Gordon, San Francisco Chronicle, 27 Feb. 2026
Between freezing air outside and bone-dry heat indoors, moisture gets zapped fast, leaving behind frizz, static, and ends that feel crunchy.
—Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Feb. 2026
His power was zapped, and his plate approach eroded, which led to him chasing more pitches outside the strike zone.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zap
Verb
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The ball then hit the football goal post crossbar and bounded down to Luis Duenas who headed it from point-blank range toward the net.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Mar. 2026
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The organization doesn’t expect Owens to hit and pitch in the same game this year, but intends to build him toward that goal eventually.—
Shawn McFarland,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Keane and his wife, Donna, were awake and about to go to bed when a powerful storm blew through their neighborhood and knocked a massive tree onto their home.—
Joe Brandt,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
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During summer, El Niños tend to ramp up high-altitude wind shear over the Atlantic, knocking potential hurricanes off kilter.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But a leadoff walk in the top of the 9th allowed Eugenio Suárez to knock in what would prove to be the winning run, smacking a double to left center field and scoring pinch runner Javier Sonoja.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
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So, each got smacked with a Stop Sale.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Police detectives found that Jones was assaulted in a fight that started when a woman slapped another woman who was with Jones outside the club.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
20 Mar. 2026
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When the Rockets called a time out, the Lakers bench all ran over to Doncic, hugging him, slapping him and James nudging him for a job very well done.—
Broderick Turner,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The man briefly tumbles to the ground after attempting to punch York.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
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In early January 2025, police were called to the Aliquippa VFW when Ours was accused of repeatedly punching and strangling another man, later identified as Preston Coleman.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Late Thursday night into early Friday morning, residents in several neighborhoods in Havana took to the streets, banging pots and pans and, in some cases, lighting bonfires to block major roads in the capital — a sign of escalating frustration.—
Ivan Taylor,
CBS News,
21 Mar. 2026
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The sophomore likes to bang around in the lane, like a 7-foot, blonde Lithuanian bull on the hardwood floors of a china shop.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His climber fails to get Camper Kyle to the ground in time, but Bauer claps enthusiastically.—
Calin Van Paris,
Outside,
19 Mar. 2026
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Not just clapping, but pounding his fists against his chest.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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His young nephew provided the entertainment, whacking a plastic ball around with a toy club on the lawn, replicating pro golf mannerisms a little too closely.—
Gabby Herzig,
New York Times,
15 Mar. 2026
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Ulta Beauty shares are getting whacked this morning, down over 7%.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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