Synonyms of lapping

lapping 1 of 3

noun

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

• overlap
• imbrication
• overlaying
• shingling
• overlying
• overspreading

lapping

2 of 3

verb (1)

present participle of lap

1

as in washing

to flow along or against

the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

Synonyms & Similar Words

• washing
• bathing
• splashing
• laving
• rippling
• lipping
• bubbling
• gurgling
• sloshing
• plashing

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

• splashing
• washing
• bubbling
• trickling
• dripping
• rippling
• gurgling
• swirling
• dribbling
• plashing
• rushing
• eddying
• guggling
• swishing
• purling
• dropping
• jetting
• swashing
• gushing
• spouting
• swooshing
• squirting
• spurting
• spewing
• whishing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• rolling
• pouring
• running
• streaming

3

as in rippling

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

• splashing
• rippling
• bubbling
• sloshing
• swashing
• gurgling
• plashing
• babbling

lapping

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of lap

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

• overlapping
• overlaying
• overlying
• overspreading
• shingling

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

• wrapping
• enveloping
• shrouding
• enclosing
• encasing
• muffling
• encompassing
• draping
• involving
• enfolding
• swathing
• encircling
• embracing
• cocooning
• veiling
• enwrapping
• enshrouding
• mantling
• embosoming
• embedding
• bosoming
• bowering
• embowering
• enswathing
• circling
• investing
• circumfusing
• cloaking
• blanketing
• curtaining
• overlaying
• masking
• disguising
• swaddling
• camouflaging
• overspreading
• enwinding
• enlacing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stripping
• exposing
• baring
• denuding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of lapping

Noun

Keep going down to the little beach, where two paddleboards and a handful of beach loungers (the good kind, made of fabric and with a footrest) sit at the gentle lapping edge of the sound. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026

The Wave percale sheets are guaranteed to lull you to sleep, like you’re being rocked by the gentle lapping of the ocean. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 July 2026

From my perch on a sun lounger, Friendship Bay stretches out below me – the curve of the powdery sand beach, the impossible blue of the sea and the calming lapping of the waves against the shore. — Rebekah Evans, TheWeek, 5 Feb. 2026

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

Verb

Strong waves were already lapping at the coastline of her city Lázaro Cárdenas in Michoacán. — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026

Prototypes of the electric 718 have been lapping the ‘ring for years now (see the video below). — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 10 Sep. 2026

The overwater bungalows are pretty special, hovering over lapping waves where guests can stay in total peace and solitude. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026

But with Russell 11 seconds behind Norris and Antonelli lapping faster, Mercedes ordered a position swap, sacrificing Russell’s potential points gain. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026

Their own basement is flooded, and to keep out the water lapping at their front door, Keller let his dogs out through the window onto a makeshift metal dock. — Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 14 Aug. 2026

To the tune of softly lapping waves, The Inn at Langley revealed its cards slowly in the way quiet luxury tends to do. — Katie Nanton, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

As her words came out, smoke billowed from her body, filling her clothes, lapping out around her feet in rings. — Gabriel Winslow-Yost, New Yorker, 30 July 2026

The cries of seagulls, water lapping against the boat, the rumble of engines and the arrival of speedboats ferrying cast and crew give the sense of sharing the actors’ long waits on the open water. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026