1
2
as in splashes
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 overlaps
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 wraps
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 laps
Arkansas Online, 13 Jan. 2026
Even beginners can enjoy slow laps, some exercise, and the learning curve.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 11 Jan. 2026
The skiing is varied and expansive, built around long, sustained runs rather than quick laps.
—Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
While the parade planned to make two circuits before retiring to Liberty Station for a vintage car show, the original event covered 300 miles, about 51 laps.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
The rink was quiet, only a few skaters taking practice laps in front of empty bleachers.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
But when the camera pans to the audience, almost everyone is sitting with their hands poised in their laps, similar to how Henry/Vecna sat in his human form.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
At the group's last home rehearsal, Kaflik and his staff sprinted around the fieldhouse, weaving in and out of lines as the band tromped its laps to ensure the formations were just right.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 26 Dec. 2025
In the picture, Andrew is lying across the laps of five women whose faces have been redacted.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2025
Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
For many years, Jones ran laps around the Dean Spanoses of the NFL.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
Milestone laps at 2,000, 5,000 and 9,000 rides were taken with friends he’s made at DCA or Radiator Springs Racers cast members — Disney parlance for employees.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025
Tom Hanks had that easy jog in Forrest Gump; Peter Strauss channeled frustration into his prison laps in The Jericho Mile; Franka Potente balled up her fists and ran for her boyfriend’s life in Run Lola Run.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Uncommon Knowledge Strip away the victory laps, and three facts matter.
—Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
Slick napkins that slide off of everyone’s laps onto the floor?
—Kristen Kidd, Denver Post, 26 Nov. 2025
Now, the black and frigid Bering Sea laps at the beach only a few hundred feet from the far corner of the local airport runway.
—Emily Schwing, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
There’s nothing better than slushy park laps with the homies.
—Drew Zieff, Outside, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
Hamlin had won two playoff races -- a Cup Series high six victories on the season -- and led 208 of the 319 laps at Phoenix.
—Arkansas Online, 13 Jan. 2026
Even beginners can enjoy slow laps, some exercise, and the learning curve.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 11 Jan. 2026
The skiing is varied and expansive, built around long, sustained runs rather than quick laps.
—Bailey Berg, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Jan. 2026
While the parade planned to make two circuits before retiring to Liberty Station for a vintage car show, the original event covered 300 miles, about 51 laps.
—Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2026
The rink was quiet, only a few skaters taking practice laps in front of empty bleachers.
—Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 10 Jan. 2026
But when the camera pans to the audience, almost everyone is sitting with their hands poised in their laps, similar to how Henry/Vecna sat in his human form.
—Ct Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 Jan. 2026
At the group's last home rehearsal, Kaflik and his staff sprinted around the fieldhouse, weaving in and out of lines as the band tromped its laps to ensure the formations were just right.
—Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 26 Dec. 2025
In the picture, Andrew is lying across the laps of five women whose faces have been redacted.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 23 Dec. 2025
Verb
The Hollywood Broadwalk provides the ocean on one side and breakfast on the other; the Palm Beach Lake Trail allows for a look into the backyards of the one-percenters, while the water laps up on the other side.
—Eric Barton, Sun Sentinel, 4 Jan. 2026
For many years, Jones ran laps around the Dean Spanoses of the NFL.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Dec. 2025
Milestone laps at 2,000, 5,000 and 9,000 rides were taken with friends he’s made at DCA or Radiator Springs Racers cast members — Disney parlance for employees.
—Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 5 Dec. 2025
Tom Hanks had that easy jog in Forrest Gump; Peter Strauss channeled frustration into his prison laps in The Jericho Mile; Franka Potente balled up her fists and ran for her boyfriend’s life in Run Lola Run.
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2025
Uncommon Knowledge Strip away the victory laps, and three facts matter.
—Newsweek Editors, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2025
Slick napkins that slide off of everyone’s laps onto the floor?
—Kristen Kidd, Denver Post, 26 Nov. 2025
Now, the black and frigid Bering Sea laps at the beach only a few hundred feet from the far corner of the local airport runway.
—Emily Schwing, NPR, 10 Nov. 2025
There’s nothing better than slushy park laps with the homies.
—Drew Zieff, Outside, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laps
legs
Noun
-
The gentle support helps keep legs from feeling heavy after hours of sitting, walking, and moving between destinations.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
-
But law enforcement officers are supposed to be trained to aim the launcher at someone’s legs or torso and to avoid their face, neck, groin or spine, Fomby said.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Laps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laps. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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