lap 1 of 3

Definition of lapnext
as in leg
a portion of a trip we were on the last lap of the journey, eagerly heading for home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

lap

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
as in to wash
to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to splash
to flow in a broken irregular stream the creek lapped along through the ravine before collecting in the pond

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

3
as in to ripple
to move with a splashing motion a stiff breeze that was causing the lake waters to lap against the hull with some force

Synonyms & Similar Words

lap

3 of 3

verb (2)

1
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

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 lap
Noun
Van Gisbergen was on his bumper for several laps in the final stage, but never found the pace to pass before falling farther and farther behind over the final six laps. Jim Vertuno, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026 Isabelle slides off Sarah’s lap, flings the towel, pulls on her swimming mask, grabs her mom’s hand and tugs her toward the pool. Gerald Witt, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
Flames were lapping from the home when firefighters arrived, a spokesperson said on social media. Kendrick Calfee february 21, Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 2026 The line of people waiting eagerly to walk dogs lapped the shelter’s parking lot and stretched to the street. Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
  • This anti-chafing stick from MegaBabe is my go-to to prevent soreness in the inner thigh area, where legs tend to rub together.
    Terri Peters, Parents, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Pair it with wide-leg trousers and a blazer for dinner, tuck it into jeans for a casual afternoon, or layer it beneath a cardigan for cooler days.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on lap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster