as in hitting
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
she playfully bopped him on the head
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of bopping
The handful of cops were bopping to Michael Jackson.
—
Chris Smith,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
There is a bopping, rhythmic assonance to Ginsberg’s unspooling lines, more incantation than poetry.
—
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
After bopping around venues, the Jazz Showcase planted deeper roots under the Happy Medium in Streeterville, then the Blackstone Hotel.
—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Throw a linen shirt over the look and—voila—an adorable daytime look for bopping around Seapoint Main Road.
—
Abbey Hudetz,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
The first summer Mike joined us for our annual pilgrimage to Watch Hill, Rhode Island—the last summer my dad was able to travel—the two of them spent hours bopping around the pastel-colored shops.
—
Ashley Parker,
The Atlantic,
4 Apr. 2026
Pratt is reprising his starring role as Mario, the Koopa-bopping plumber and brother of Luigi.
—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Fans were on their feet bopping along.
—
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Are Fanny and her mother related to Claire in some other way — Claire’s mother, Julia, sings the same song to her newborn son William, who could still be bopping around singing that song in the 18th century.
—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Chris Smith,
Vanity Fair,
15 June 2026
There is a bopping, rhythmic assonance to Ginsberg’s unspooling lines, more incantation than poetry.
—
Literary Hub,
3 June 2026
After bopping around venues, the Jazz Showcase planted deeper roots under the Happy Medium in Streeterville, then the Blackstone Hotel.
—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Throw a linen shirt over the look and—voila—an adorable daytime look for bopping around Seapoint Main Road.
—
Abbey Hudetz,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Apr. 2026
The first summer Mike joined us for our annual pilgrimage to Watch Hill, Rhode Island—the last summer my dad was able to travel—the two of them spent hours bopping around the pastel-colored shops.
—
Ashley Parker,
The Atlantic,
4 Apr. 2026
Pratt is reprising his starring role as Mario, the Koopa-bopping plumber and brother of Luigi.
—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
3 Apr. 2026
Fans were on their feet bopping along.
—
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
Are Fanny and her mother related to Claire in some other way — Claire’s mother, Julia, sings the same song to her newborn son William, who could still be bopping around singing that song in the 18th century.
—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bopping
Verb
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Given the quick-hitting nature of the early morning showers, along with the very isolated nature of afternoon storms, not much rain is expected Friday.
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After slashing its Scope 3 carbon emissions by 20 percent from a 2019 baseline and hitting its target five years ahead of schedule, the Uniqlo parent company has raised the stakes, aiming for an additional 10 percent reduction by 2030.
Verb
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Deputies responded to a report of a driver smacking his car into a guardrail in front of The Bridge Restaurant before driving away, according to a sheriff’s office news release.
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As the match got away from her in the second set and the Court Philippe-Chatrier crowd became increasingly hostile, Andreeva fully unraveled, smacking another ball towards the roof and asking members of her box to leave.
Verb
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The refs started handing out technical fouls like free samples, slapping Thomas and Hines-Allen with a double technical.
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Prosecutors dropped all charges against a bouncer for allegedly slapping a bar patron in February.
Verb
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While the cameras were rolling, Spielberg would stand just out of frame with two wooden bats, banging them together to startle her.
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And on the other hand, there've been some folks who would like to see me out every day, right, banging the drum.
Verb
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Newsom’s office said that along with the FBI, agents from the IRS have been knocking on doors and asking questions.
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After knocking the trash can down, the bear easily shoved its arms inside.
Verb
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Cape Verde is not punching above its weight on heart.
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Court records reveal he was subsequently arrested for throwing a rock at people, and later for punching someone else.
Verb
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The video shows the panicked deer backing itself into a corner, slamming itself against the building and retaining wall.
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Diplo has taken a similarly direct approach — by slamming artists who oppose using the technology.
Verb
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Goldberg said, clapping her hands to get her co-host’s attention.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and first lady Ri Sol Ju greeted Xi at the airport in Pyongyang, with official footage showing the pair clapping as Xi’s plane landed, kicking off his two-day state visit.
Cite this Entry
“Bopping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bopping. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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