as in overlap
a partial covering of one thing by an adjoining member
the lapping of the roofing shingles should be several inches in order to avoid leaks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
2
as in splashing
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
1
as in overlapping
to lie over parts of one another
the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in wrapping
to surround or cover closely
this recording of the symphony is sure to lap listeners in stereophonic bliss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of lapping
Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
When the lapping reaches your knees, start to worry.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The lapping of the sea at our language is not a difficult concept to fathom.
—Adrian Vore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
So following it up with a powder-soft beach—the lapping of a warm Indian ocean acting as your evening lullaby—is a pretty perfect ending.
—Pippa De Bruyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2025
Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
The Kohala Coast is living proof that nature is medicine, from the birdsong to the Tradewinds rustling the coconut palms to the deep blue-green waters of the Pacific lapping the shoreline.
—Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
And consumers are lapping it up.
—Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 15 Jan. 2026
Noise and crowds were replaced by the sounds of lapping waves and seagull cries.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
The Warner Bros release scored 18 noms Monday, lapping its nearest rival, Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which got nine.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Running Shoes From lacing up to lapping the track, these running shoes feel good on your feet.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Now, over the past two years, K-beauty products have been lapping the globe again.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
The Rams have forced touchbacks on 57 percent of kickoffs this season, lapping the field (New Orleans is next at 34 percent).
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Noun
As Amanyara’s resident wellness expert guided me through a sound healing session and harmonized the vibrations of a Tibetan singing bowl, the lapping of the ocean waves seemed to still.
—Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
When the lapping reaches your knees, start to worry.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The lapping of the sea at our language is not a difficult concept to fathom.
—Adrian Vore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
So following it up with a powder-soft beach—the lapping of a warm Indian ocean acting as your evening lullaby—is a pretty perfect ending.
—Pippa De Bruyn, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Aug. 2025
Verb
In winter, the frothy surf turns to soft, lapping waves and camels lumber down the mountain for a dip.
—Anna Zacharias, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Jan. 2026
The Kohala Coast is living proof that nature is medicine, from the birdsong to the Tradewinds rustling the coconut palms to the deep blue-green waters of the Pacific lapping the shoreline.
—Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
And consumers are lapping it up.
—Brennan Kilbane, Allure, 15 Jan. 2026
Noise and crowds were replaced by the sounds of lapping waves and seagull cries.
—Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 12 Jan. 2026
The Warner Bros release scored 18 noms Monday, lapping its nearest rival, Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, which got nine.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 12 Jan. 2026
Running Shoes From lacing up to lapping the track, these running shoes feel good on your feet.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Now, over the past two years, K-beauty products have been lapping the globe again.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
The Rams have forced touchbacks on 57 percent of kickoffs this season, lapping the field (New Orleans is next at 34 percent).
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapping
overlap
Noun
-
At Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, there is much overlap of brands and designer collections.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
23 Jan. 2026
-
The often-insufficient overlap of river protection with other values, such as drinking water sources, does point toward to where future protection efforts can be focused.—
Jeff Opperman,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapping. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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