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

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nap

2 of 3

noun (2)

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

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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

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

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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
After the 49ers beat the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon in the wild-card playoffs, Shanahan and Kubiak snuck in naps following the flight home and met at the facility Monday morning. Vic Tafur, New York Times, 15 Jan. 2026 Or not feeling super fresh after a nap at 35,000 feet with your mouth hung open? Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
Verb
So, what causes the urge to nap after a holiday meal? Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 27 Nov. 2025 Andrew Scott, who was doing another movie at the time and was tired, would nap. Eric Andersson, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for nap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nap
Verb
  • The post included snaps of her posing on travels, relaxing on a beach and in a gym during her pregnancy.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • The new law relaxed aspects of the 2017 framework, removing much of municipalities’ ability to regulate AVs within city or county limits.
    Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The passenger adapted and put a blanket, similar to this Turkish towel, over his head—and slept peacefully until touchdown.
    Carin Ryan, Travel + Leisure, 14 Jan. 2026
  • Set the temperature to 68°F when at home, 60°F to 62°F when away, and 65°F when sleeping.
    Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Letting cookie dough rest is one of the hardest parts of making cookies.
    Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
  • That’s why investing in a plush, comfortable duvet insert or comforter is essential for creating a cozy oasis to start the new year off well-rested.
    Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • In a mood to slumber all day, to the tune of conversations held by cartoon mice?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Dec. 2025
  • As slow growth dampened ambitions in both countries, the AU slumbered without strong leadership.
    Amaka Anku, Foreign Affairs, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • My intention in 2026 is not to stop snoozing my cell phone alarm, but to manage getting ready quickly and efficiently without cutting into any sleep.
    Vanessa Santos, Glamour, 19 Jan. 2026
  • Prefer to spend the day snoozing by the pool while your friends opt to zip down waterslides together?
    Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 13 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Afternoons here are deliciously drowsy, spent dozing in the shade, gently parting calm sea water, or gliding past craggy rock formations in a little motor-boat.
    Rosalyn Wikeley, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Jan. 2026
  • The most determined had already claimed the coveted places at the front of the line, spending the night dozing in their cars, renouncing beds and pillows for hard reclining seats and hungry patience.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 22 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Nap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nap. Accessed 21 Jan. 2026.

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