reaped; reaping; reaps
Synonyms of reap

transitive verb

1
a(1)
: to cut with a sickle, scythe, or reaping machine
(2)
: to clear of a crop by reaping
b
: to gather by reaping : harvest
2
: obtain, win

intransitive verb

: to reap something

Examples of reap in a Sentence

She is now reaping the benefits of her hard work. He reaped large profits from his investments. The workers were out reaping the crops. The workers were out reaping in the fields.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The temporary waivers marked a central US concession for Iran to reopen the crucial waterway, reaping almost immediate financial benefit for Tehran. Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 24 July 2026 Beyond official venues, non-host communities like Greenville and Charlotte also reaped benefits through team base camps and watch parties, demonstrating the tournament's widespread economic engine. Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 If the primary conversation around wide releases this year is that it’s been mostly the risks reaping rewards, this hesitancy around sending films to festivals is not really serving anyone seeking to win an Academy Award. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 23 July 2026 Suggesting the sweet spot for workers wishing to reap the most success from their coffee habit is four cups a day. Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for reap

Word History

Etymology

Middle English repen, from Old English reopan

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of reap was before the 12th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reap. Accessed 28 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
a
: to cut (as grain) or clear (as a field) with a sickle, scythe, or machine
b
: harvest entry 2 sense 1
reap a crop
2
: to get as a result
reap the benefit of hard work

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