lap 1 of 3

noun

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

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lap

2 of 3

verb (1)

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

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

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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

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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

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2
as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely this recording of the symphony is sure to lap listeners in stereophonic bliss

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
There were two impressive rallies in the closing laps by Larson. — ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026 The bar locks a padded restraint into place over the rider’s lap and upper legs. — Russ Bynum, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
The hotel’s unprecedented vantage point envelops guests in panoramic views of Melbourne and the ocean lapping at Port Phillip Bay. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Where the water once lapped against the sandstone walls has been turned white, offering a constant reminder of the shrinking lake. — Story Hinckley, Christian Science Monitor, 5 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
  1. leg
  2. wash
  3. splash
  4. ripple
  5. overlap
  6. wrap
  7. bathe
  8. bubble
Noun
  • Williams left the court on a stretcher with towels covering his left leg.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • While not unprecedented for a robot, what makes this feat interesting is that the robot achieved this using its legs while maintaining balance.
    — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of leg
Verb
  • Tatcha’s creamy cleanser gently washes the day away with an amino acid base, while Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid deeply nourish the skin and replenish its water reserve.
    — Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The only thing inspectors want touching handwash sinks is soapy water from hands being washed.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of wash
Verb
  • That’s because new data says boomers are splashing their cash on vacations instead of setting it aside for future generations.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Beefy tomato slices splashed with buttermilk dressing and earthy, concentrated tomato vine vinegar.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of splash
Verb
  • There are rippling gasps, drums, strings, sax, a vaguely Latin guitar, a sample of a woman talking about getting her hair done.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Lopez is part of a shift rippling through Latino communities across the country.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of ripple
Verb
  • Those priorities overlap with issues Griffin and his investment firm have pursued in Tallahassee.
    — Luisa Yanez, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The song develops into a slow-burn, lighters-up jam, its long, unhurried coda like getting lost in a sea of echoing, overlapping memories.
    — Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of overlap
Verb
  • The remains, wrapped in several layers of garbage bags, were turned over to the Gang Supression Force by HERO, a relief organization that was contacted through humanitarian channels, the group told the Miami Herald.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Paul Herlihy’s body was found on the kitchen floor wrapped in carpet and covered with a blue tarp.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of wrap
Verb
  • In November, Feygin plans to host an event at the Wende Museum in Culver City, inviting other writers to share essays and poetry about their connections to bathing culture.
    — Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
  • White’s lyrics are bittersweet pinpricks, his keening vocals already in mourning of childhood’s end—of responsibility, of bathing yourself, in so many words, knowledge of death.
    — Ryan Meehan, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of bathe
Verb
  • What new approach, idea or style will bubble up to the surface and change everything?
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Bake moussaka until bubbling vigorously and mornay sauce is browned in spots, 30–45 minutes.
    — Rick Martinez, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of bubble

Phrases Containing lap

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lanyards
lap
lapdog
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Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lap

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