as in to tap
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically
absentmindedly drumming his fingers on the table
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of drum
Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
One would still occasionally see a Black Pentecostal church parade on a Sunday afternoon — white-turbaned women, drums and a horn section playing loud gospel music.
—Naomi Jackson, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2026
Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
There’s an abundance of intricate riffs, hypnotic solo passages and wickedly tight drumming to be found on this LP.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drum
Noun
Composer and sound designer Christopher Kriz’s transitional music amplifies Hedda’s restless internal state with electric guitar and drums backed by a relentless, clock-like beat.
—Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
One would still occasionally see a Black Pentecostal church parade on a Sunday afternoon — white-turbaned women, drums and a horn section playing loud gospel music.
—Naomi Jackson, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Sly Dunbar, whose drumming with bassist Robbie Shakespeare made for an all-but-unrivaled reggae rhythm section utilized by such greats as Bob Marley, Bob Dylan and Mick Jagger, has died.
—Greg Evans, Deadline, 26 Jan. 2026
There’s an abundance of intricate riffs, hypnotic solo passages and wickedly tight drumming to be found on this LP.
—Quentin Thane Singer, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drum
Recent Examples of Synonyms for drum
Noun
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Even if a blockade in the Strait remains unlikely, disruption caused by a US attack could nevertheless send oil prices even higher, above their the recent gains – perhaps by another $10 a barrel, Tuttle said.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Millie swapped of-the-era straight-leg jeans for cord-denim pants with a more of-the-now barrel shape.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The first-stage booster that had been tapped during the original attempts was discarded for a new booster.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
20 Feb. 2026
-
In response, Díaz tapped his cap twice.—
Anthony Solorzano,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
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These niobium-tin cavities can operate at higher temperatures, allowing for the use of standard commercial cooling units rather than custom, large-scale cryogenic plants.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Britain’s last tin mine, South Crofty, near Redruth, has been dormant for nearly 30 years.—
Will Barker,
TheWeek,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some days Dhrubo banged his head against the wall, as though their mother would come and give him her attention.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
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Griseck is concerned about point guard Gustavo Roca, who banged his knee on a layup and left the game late in the third quarter.—
Buddy Collings,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The first quarter started with a 4-0 lead after back-to-back buckets by Mutschler.—
Zach McMahon,
Boston Herald,
18 Feb. 2026
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In a bowl or small bucket, combine warm water with ½ teaspoon of dye-free dish soap.—
Patricia Shannon,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Drum.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/drum. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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