as in claps
a loud explosive sound
the soda can opened with a sharp pop
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in dads
a male human parent
ask your pop if he knows where the keys to the shed are
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in explodes
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure
a balloon popped suddenly and startled us all
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in shatters
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive
popping popcorn over a campfire
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in shoots
to strike with a missile from a gun
went into the woods hoping to pop the rabbit that was eating our vegetables
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of pops
Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Here, the curtains seamlessly blend with the existing color scheme, creating a cohesive look while subtly drawing the eye to other vibrant pops of color throughout the space.
—Macie Stump, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
The property has a beautiful minimalist, modern design with pops of natural wood accents and stunning views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
—Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Johnson’s spring 2008 collection featured a bevy of the designer’s signature playful prints and motifs, from ruffles and pops of color to polka dots and vibrant tones.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
Growing up, my pops would always harp on it.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
There’s also a keep-cool function, which maintains temperature after opening, helping preserve texture while multiple pops are removed or served.
—New Atlas, 5 May 2026
Guests brought to the event pops of red from Kawakubo's palette, intricate embellishments and sheer fabrics.
—Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Its maple-like foliage pops among wispier prairie grasses.
—Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 3 May 2026
Matt Thompson, SPIN, 11 May 2026
But don’t rule them out of buying more if there’s one that pops.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 11 May 2026
In the mix of the chaos, Beth and Rip’s adopted son Carter (Finn Little) pops up for a few seconds.
—Brayden Garcia
may 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 May 2026
Plus Derry Girls’s Saoirse-Monica Jackson pops up as a raver with a flair for sedatives!
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026
Raw milk legislation pops up across the nation Bills favoring raw milk have been introduced in the current legislative session in 18 states, including those controlled by Democrats and Republicans.
—Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Ayo Edebiri pops in a red coat for her appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers in New York City on April 28.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Raw milk legislation pops up across the nation Bills favoring raw milk have been introduced in the current legislative session in 18 states, including those controlled by Democrats and Republicans.
—Laura Ungar, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
When Joseph pops his head into the studio, insisting, over Gordy’s objections, that Michael has taken up too much of his time, Michael hugs Gordy goodbye.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
Again, this is captured well, via supporters chatting in town during the week or in fan vox pops conducted straight after a match, when emotions are running at their highest.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Here, the curtains seamlessly blend with the existing color scheme, creating a cohesive look while subtly drawing the eye to other vibrant pops of color throughout the space.
—Macie Stump, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
The property has a beautiful minimalist, modern design with pops of natural wood accents and stunning views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains.
—Kimberley Mok, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2026
Johnson’s spring 2008 collection featured a bevy of the designer’s signature playful prints and motifs, from ruffles and pops of color to polka dots and vibrant tones.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
Growing up, my pops would always harp on it.
—Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026
There’s also a keep-cool function, which maintains temperature after opening, helping preserve texture while multiple pops are removed or served.
—New Atlas, 5 May 2026
Guests brought to the event pops of red from Kawakubo's palette, intricate embellishments and sheer fabrics.
—Luis Giraldo, CBS News, 4 May 2026
Its maple-like foliage pops among wispier prairie grasses.
—Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 3 May 2026
Verb
After Trevor strolls back to his muscle car and drives away, Easton pops up, curious as to who that was.
—Matt Thompson, SPIN, 11 May 2026
But don’t rule them out of buying more if there’s one that pops.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 11 May 2026
In the mix of the chaos, Beth and Rip’s adopted son Carter (Finn Little) pops up for a few seconds.
—Brayden Garcia
may 5, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 May 2026
Plus Derry Girls’s Saoirse-Monica Jackson pops up as a raver with a flair for sedatives!
—Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 May 2026
Raw milk legislation pops up across the nation Bills favoring raw milk have been introduced in the current legislative session in 18 states, including those controlled by Democrats and Republicans.
—Laura Ungar, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2026
Ayo Edebiri pops in a red coat for her appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers in New York City on April 28.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
Raw milk legislation pops up across the nation Bills favoring raw milk have been introduced in the current legislative session in 18 states, including those controlled by Democrats and Republicans.
—Laura Ungar, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
When Joseph pops his head into the studio, insisting, over Gordy’s objections, that Michael has taken up too much of his time, Michael hugs Gordy goodbye.
—Paul A. Thompson, Pitchfork, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pops
Noun
-
There was no standing ovation, only a few sporadic claps mixed in with folks cheering for Fitzpatrick.—
Jordan Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2026
-
That’ll be the stormiest period of the weekend, with gusts up to 40 mph and potentially more claps of thunder.—
Anthony Edwards,
San Francisco Chronicle,
10 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The dads have learned this the hard way.—
Natalie Escobar,
NPR,
12 May 2026
-
This Daisy ran away from her two dads, acquiring a rap sheet for petty theft along the way.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
In the video, an officer tries to use a key to enter the residence when the front of the building explodes in a fiery blast.—
Minyvonne Burke,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
And this is where the computing space explodes.—
Glenn Zorpette,
IEEE Spectrum,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The loss snaps Boston’s three-game win streak and drops the club back into sole possession of last place.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
8 May 2026
-
Aside from the mommy mode snaps, the model also shared photographs alongside her husband, with the pair all dressed up for a night out.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
The other, from the southwest Khuzestan province, has a filling of dates, walnuts and coconut and pastry that shatters like a shell.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
9 May 2026
-
But the illusion shatters when a stranger on the street recognizes the dog… as HER boyfriend Danny’s dog.—
William Earl,
Variety,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But like Gilgeous-Alexander, Wagler gets to the free throw line at a high rate, has a stellar assist-turnover ratio, and shoots the ball well with even more 3-point volume than Gilgeous-Alexander had.—
Law Murray,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
-
Her outside-looking in remembrances (Romvari shoots scenes sometimes from the perspective of looking through a window) elliptically convey much – parental anguish about what would be the best call to action for the entire family, not the upheaval felt within the family.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Vimala Pons, in strawberry-blonde bangs, is a striking actor who plays Irène as the new modern woman.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
12 May 2026
-
On Thursday, April 16, Loughlin shimmered in a silver strappy dress by Rebecca Vallance and sported a bob cut and bangs — a departure from her usual long brown hair.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
In November 2025, the fathers told the court about their child’s birth and a day later, Uthmeier, the AG, began pushing his way into this case.—
Ann Marie Luft,
The Orlando Sentinel,
14 May 2026
-
Softness and even open expression of feelings between fathers and sons are not part of the male Circassian factory model.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
13 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pops.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pops. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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