nap 1 of 3

noun (1)

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

ˈnap How to pronounce nap (audio)
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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
Healthcare workers, transportation workers and others in safety-sensitive occupations can experience unavoidable sleep loss, and there may not always be time or an appropriate place for a 90-minute nap. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026 My current plans are to take a nap right after we’re done talking. — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
For adults who nap regularly, that last figure is worth a second look. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 New research is bringing sound sleep health into the gut-adjacent conversation, using genetic methodology to probe whether insomnia, sleep duration and daytime napping causally influence hemorrhoid risk. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nap
  1. wink
  2. fur
  3. relax
  4. sleep
  5. rest
  6. pile
  7. slumber
  8. doze
Noun
  • However, the film’s candy-colored palette (derived from a box of macarons), New Romantic–heavy soundtrack, and countless contemporary winks (eagle-eyed fans will spot those lilac Converse sneakers in the exhibition) are singlehandedly Sofia.
    — Stephanie Sporn, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026
  • This wink-and-a-nod dynamic is now at the center of a fierce public policy debate over online gambling, addiction and consumer protection.
    — Jake Pearson, ProPublica, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of wink
Noun
  • The campaign with the fur shoes next to the pool was one of my favorites.
    — Joan Kennedy, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
  • An early tour of his estate, provided by the swirling camerawork of Emmanuel Lubezki, reveals a catalogue of crimes against the animal kingdom, with antlers and furs festooning every surface.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of fur
Verb
  • The third, Surrender, is a massage performed in water, in which the buoyancy and warmth allow the body to completely relax and let go.
    — Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Because of the data center being built in his backyard, Butters’ television loses power constantly, leaving him unable to relax and watch his beloved videos.
    — Payton Turkeltaub, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of relax
Verb
  • Ultra-luxe suite The Residence sleeps four with two bedrooms and bathrooms.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Compared with previous models, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 offers more accurate exercise and sleep tracking, plus advanced AI features.
    — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of sleep
Noun
  • The property has 21 private cottages, each simple, calming, and tech-free, promoting deep rest and focus.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Head coach Willie Simmons’ squad enters the matchup with extra rest following a bye week, giving the Panthers an opportunity to evaluate what has worked, identify what needs to improve and make adjustments before the start of C-USA play.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of rest
Noun
  • Another catalyst could come in December, when CHIPS Act funding restrictions ease, allowing Micron to deploy its growing cash pile toward a significant buyback .
    — Alexa LoMonaco,Jeff Nash, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Those are anthology series, however, and one season doesn’t necessarily flow directly from the previous one (the large pile-up of AHS lore aside).
    — Rick Porter, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of pile
Verb
  • In particular, the image of the sickly, slumbering child recurs throughout Marcon’s work.
    — Matthew McLean, Artforum, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The winter months pass, long nights, a bomb cyclone that buries my basement windows in snow and leaves me to lurk in the dark like a slumbering bear, and then spring arrives abrupt and clanging and golden.
    — Brian Laidlaw, Longreads, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of slumber
Noun
  • Visitors can also follow a small leafy trail to Kelayang Cave, where hanging bats doze after a night of feasting.
    — Claire Turrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Available in pink or blue, the toy—which attaches to crib bars or can be situated near your child’s sleeping space—features a relaxing array of sounds, lights, and music, along with gentle motion, to encourage your darling to doze.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 1 July 2026
Definition of doze

Browse Nearby Words

nanoseconds
nap
napkin
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Cite this Entry

“Nap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nap. Accessed 8 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nap

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nap

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