LAPS Synonyms: 85 Similar and Opposite Words

laps 1 of 3

noun

plural of lap

as in legs

a portion of a trip we were on the last lap of the journey, eagerly heading for home

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laps

2 of 3

verb (1)

present tense third-person singular of lap

as in washes

to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

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as in splashes

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

as in ripples

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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laps

3 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of lap

as in overlaps

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

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as in wraps

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 laps

Noun

The plan is for Starship to complete 15 laps around Earth at an altitude of about 170 miles before heading back to the launch site Saturday. — Marcia Dunn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2026 The plan is for Starship to complete 15 laps around the world at an altitude of around 170 miles (275 kilometers) before heading back to the launch site for Saturday’s grand finale. — ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026 Larson finished fourth in Stage One, which ended after 78 laps due to a Chase Briscoe engine failure. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 8 Nov. 2026 After a tow off-track and some careful re-appropriation of some hood bolts, the Yaris was once again ship-shape and ready for more laps—not to mention the remaining road trip miles. — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 6 Nov. 2026 Byron led a billion laps (362) on his way to absolutely destroying the field yesterday at Martinsville. — Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026 Millions more were in their cars, driving to and from relatives’ and friends’ houses, with trays of hot food on laps and kids making a ruckus in the backseat. — Jana Pollack, Parents, 29 Oct. 2026 The two singers, who are taking victory laps behind their records Lux and Equilibrivm, are both competing for Album of the Year. — Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 20 Oct. 2026 Hamilton stayed out on softs that were already 21 laps old, committing to a one-stop race. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2026

Verb

Track Star Made from a crinkly nylon, these lightweight pants are incredibly airy and easy to move in—built for whatever the day brings, from morning laps to running errands. — Kasey Busiel, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 After an initial delay because of a storm, drivers were meant to do two formation laps behind the safety car to scout out the conditions before getting under way. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026 The race will consist of 147 laps around a course at the east end of the National Mall. — Stephen J. Beard, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Today, just a shallow pool laps around the base of the 336 marble columns that support the structure. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026 Two laps later, Verstappen made a late move under braking, diving past the Ferrari at Turn 1. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 28 July 2026 To focus on your upper body, use a pull buoy between your legs while swimming laps. — Patricia Neligan, AJC.com, 27 July 2026 Adult cats that haven’t nursed in over a decade will still knead blankets, laps and each other, with no milk anywhere in the picture. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Trump’s announcement took some off guard and upended the housing victory laps lawmakers had planned. — Cq Roll Call, Boston Herald, 24 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for laps

Noun

Although it is described as a humanoid, AIR does not have legs or a bipedal walking system.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
Marshall, who missed last week’s loss at TCU because of a lower leg injury, started and showed his legs were healthy on the first play from scrimmage, rushing for 12 yards.

— Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 8 Nov. 2026

Definition of legs

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
My mom, sister, colleagues, and best friends are all hooked on the comfy-chic pair that washes well, fits like a dream, and looks incredible.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of washes

Verb

Selena is offended, and splashes him with the liquid, which burns and kills him.

— William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026
In this photograph snapped by astronomer José Rodrigues, the Milky Way splashes across the night sky above two telescopes at ESO's La Silla Observatory.

— Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of splashes

Verb

Minor to moderate coastal flooding impacts are possible, especially when largest surf overlaps with peak high tides.

— CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Nov. 2026
Countless moviegoers have walked out of theaters praising a film’s cinematography while having no idea what a director of photography actually does on set and how that job overlaps with other positions.

— Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of overlaps

Verb

On the top floor, the Pasaje presidential penthouse stuns with floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive corner terrace that wraps around the building, providing panoramas of the city.

— Wendy O'Dea, Robb Report, 12 Nov. 2026
The pop culture phenomenon that started an empire is coming to Inglewood’s Cosm, home to a high-definition spherical screen that wraps around audiences.

— Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of wraps

Verb

On cloudless days, sunlight bathes the upper levels, giving the wood flourishes a warm glow.

— Katharine Sohn, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026
The cinematography captures the lush expanse of the desert and bathes the characters in dark blues while never leaving the frame murky, and the use of steadicam and exaggerated zoom-ins plants the film’s feet more firmly in its ’80s inspirations.

— Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of bathes

Verb

The worst bubbles form in industries that offer little in the way of innovation and are financed mainly by debt.

— RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026
Released three years after the similarly freewheeling Nekkuja, the album bubbles over with interdimensional ambition and zigzagging ideas, anchored by her ability to command bewildering expanses of melody and form.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of bubbles

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lapping (up)

laps

lapse

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Style

“Laps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laps. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of laps

noun

verb (1)

verb (2)

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