as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
a bop to the printer sometimes fixes it
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
she playfully bopped him on the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 bop
Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Alex Western-King, Ronnie Scott’s Ranging between post-bop and all-out free improvisation, Alex Western-King is rapidly establishing himself at the forefront of the modern UK jazz scene.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025
In one clip, filmed at the Seneca Park Zoo in Indiana, a trainer uses hand gestures and a clicker to get an otter to wave, bop its nose onto her hand, and retrieve toys.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bop
Noun
Belle coos with a too-flirty smile and a nervous side-to-side bop.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025
Alex Western-King, Ronnie Scott’s Ranging between post-bop and all-out free improvisation, Alex Western-King is rapidly establishing himself at the forefront of the modern UK jazz scene.
—Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
In the next slide, David listened to the track back, bopping his head and smiling, pleased with the recording.
—Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 17 Nov. 2025
In one clip, filmed at the Seneca Park Zoo in Indiana, a trainer uses hand gestures and a clicker to get an otter to wave, bop its nose onto her hand, and retrieve toys.
—Frederick Dreier, Outside, 11 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bop
Noun
-
Both teams scored 14 points in that final period, with Matthew Stafford’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson the killing blow with 38 seconds left.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
-
This latest disaster will be framed by some as another blow to Minnesota's reputation.—
Phil Morris The Minnesota Star Tribune,
Arkansas Online,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Iowa then got three good looks from the three-point line in the final seconds but couldn't hit the tying shot.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Despite their franchise history dating back to the mid-70s (via Kansas City and Colorado), which includes essentially all of the highest-scoring era in league history, the New Jersey Devils have never had a player hit either of the game’s most basic offensive milestones.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Twitchy enough to line up off the edge or run with a tight end in the slot, Fisher (6-1, 231) is a bit small but brings enough thump to be the type of linebacker who never has to leave the field.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Though ashen, the convex steel form still resonates to the rhythmic thump of her hands.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Diaz obliged, but not before smacking an unlucky onlooker with a wayward first attempt, above.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Often, though, the clutter is the point, and you’re smacked with temperamental textures that channel the flippant streak of plunderphonics.—
H.D. Angel,
Pitchfork,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Edmundson, who had a goal disallowed earlier, found a loose puck and cranked a slap shot.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The friendship developed during rehearsals, and then a confrontation in the film between their characters culminated in a slap.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Jan. 2026
-
Key's Jerry is a disruption through and through, knocking everything just a little off-kilter with each volatile appearance.—
Shania Russell,
Entertainment Weekly,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Wipe in circular motions with a lint-free microfiber cloth to loosen grime, then finish with long, horizontal swipes.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The blue swipe cupping each tip adds the perfect finishing touch.—
Jacqueline Kilikita,
Refinery29,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The legendary Public Enemy rapper and dating show debutante served as the guest judge on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night, in which the eight remaining couples hit the floor with head-banging routines set to a litany of iconic anthems.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Nov. 2025
-
If someone does encounter a coyote, officials said to scare away the animal by yelling, using airhorns, banging pots and pans or throwing objects.—
Megan Forrester,
ABC News,
30 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bop. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share