1
as in rests
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
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 naps
Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
Early bedtimes, late mornings, and naps, when possible, can feel luxurious on winter’s dark days.
—Kari Leibowitz, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
The only requirements are that travelers sleep for at least eight hours per day (plus naps), dine with locals to learn their tried-and-true relaxation rituals, and hit the water daily.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2026
Researchers found that the jellyfish, which host photosynthetic algae, are active during the day, sleep mainly at night, and even take midday naps, much like some humans do after lunch.
—New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2026
Cutting down on caffeine after lunchtime, avoiding (or limiting) naps, and engaging in a relaxing bedtime routine can all aid in the process too—as will patience.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
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
Short daytime naps can reduce stress, restore energy and improve focus.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
Melatonin also promoted sleep in the animals and scientists observed them sleeping at night and taking midday naps.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
The Editors, Outside, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
As an everyday upholstery fabric, microfiber is versatile enough to handle entertaining, movie nights, and late afternoon naps.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 30 Jan. 2026
Early bedtimes, late mornings, and naps, when possible, can feel luxurious on winter’s dark days.
—Kari Leibowitz, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026
The only requirements are that travelers sleep for at least eight hours per day (plus naps), dine with locals to learn their tried-and-true relaxation rituals, and hit the water daily.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 27 Jan. 2026
Researchers found that the jellyfish, which host photosynthetic algae, are active during the day, sleep mainly at night, and even take midday naps, much like some humans do after lunch.
—New Atlas, 24 Jan. 2026
Cutting down on caffeine after lunchtime, avoiding (or limiting) naps, and engaging in a relaxing bedtime routine can all aid in the process too—as will patience.
—Rebecca Fearn, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
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
Short daytime naps can reduce stress, restore energy and improve focus.
—Dana Santas, CNN Money, 14 Jan. 2026
Melatonin also promoted sleep in the animals and scientists observed them sleeping at night and taking midday naps.
—Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
This carrier has been a lifesaver with our five-month-old daughter, who naps almost exclusively in it.
—The Editors, Outside, 28 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for naps
Verb
-
The proposal rests on the false premise that allowing corporate investors to own and subsequently rent out homes is a major driver of high home prices.—
Veronique De Rugy,
Oc Register,
22 Jan. 2026
-
Opened last fall, the resort rests where three ecosystems collide—the Mojave Desert, the Colorado Plateau, and the Great Basin—creating scenery that feels somewhat otherworldly.—
Brittany Anas,
Forbes.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
And because this part of the city never sleeps, there’s always someone who is willing to offer directions.—
Sophie Morgan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
-
This is especially key for anyone who sleeps without a flat sheet.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Another medium-firm option that will deliver crucial neck support is Casper’s original pillow, which is great for all types of sleepers like our contributor Madeleine Luckel, who snoozes on both of her sides, her back, and stomach.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
19 Sep. 2025
-
In it, Mario snoozes against a tree as a butterfly flutters by his head.—
Randall Colburn,
EW.com,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The notice relaxes the safe harbor in reg.—
Carrie Brandon Elliot,
Forbes.com,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Potassium relaxes the muscles in your blood vessels, helping lower your blood pressure.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Verywell Health,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Rather, the protagonist dozes right through it.—
John Swansburg,
The Atlantic,
10 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Naps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/naps. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
