nap 1 of 3

Definition of napnext
as in wink
a short sleep so tired that she needed to take a refreshing nap before soccer practice

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

nap

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in fur
a soft airy substance or covering high-quality suede has a good, even nap

Synonyms & Similar Words

nap

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to relax
to sleep lightly or briefly decided to let the kids nap for a few more minutes before waking them

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
as in to sleep
to be in a state of sleep I'm just going to nap the entire afternoon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 nap
Noun
Marcotte says the pair remained at the arena throughout the whole day, following their practice in the morning, and following a nap, Kihara seemed to have shaken off the previous day’s mistake. Alice Park, Time, 17 Feb. 2026 Scarlet Darkness Floral Cottagecore Dress Romantics, cottagecore fans, and anyone who’s ever fawned over the cult-favorite Hill House Home nap dress should add the lookalike Scarlet Darkness Floral Cottagecore Dress to their carts immediately. Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
The results revealed subjects who napped had weaker synaptic connections in their brains than those who stayed awake. Hunter Boyce, AJC.com, 11 Feb. 2026 But a little before that, photographer Poupay Jutharat was on the ground at the Javits Center, sniffing around as the pups prepped, primped, and occasionally napped before go-time. Poupay Jutharat, Vogue, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nap
Verb
  • During his testimony, Bill Clinton denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes, and he was described as being largely relaxed while answering questions.
    Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Feb. 2026
  • Towel folding, also known as towel origami, is a creative, relaxing experience for children.
    Melissa Grzybowski, Austin American Statesman, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The beast — being, of course, the entertainment news cycle — never sleeps.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 27 Feb. 2026
  • You weren't allowed to sit on a bed—beds were for sleeping, not sitting, according to my mom.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Flags for Canada and third-place Finland rested below Old Glory on either side.
    Chris Kudialis, Miami Herald, 23 Feb. 2026
  • They were all laid to rest in a wooden coffin, which was a valuable material in this society.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The supermassive black hole sitting at the heart of our galaxy is considered to be a slumbering giant.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 Jan. 2026
  • In a mood to slumber all day, to the tune of conversations held by cartoon mice?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • Travellers sat slumped staring at phones or snoozed under their coats.
    Mary Gaitskill, New Yorker, 22 Feb. 2026
  • Her dog, Delta Dawn, snoozed nearby.
    Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Not worrying about these wakeups could make all the difference in dozing back off easily.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Feb. 2026
  • In fact, on many nights I could be found dozing in the chair with her tiny body curled onto my chest.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Nap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nap. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on nap

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster