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sap

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sap distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sap are cripple, debilitate, disable, enfeeble, undermine, and weaken. While all these words mean "to lose or cause to lose strength or vigor," undermine and sap suggest a weakening by something working surreptitiously and insidiously.

a poor diet undermines your health
drugs had sapped his ability to think

In what contexts can cripple take the place of sap?

While the synonyms cripple and sap are close in meaning, cripple implies causing a serious loss of functioning power through damaging or removing an essential part or element.

crippled by arthritis

When can debilitate be used instead of sap?

The words debilitate and sap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, debilitate suggests a less marked or more temporary impairment of strength or vitality.

the debilitating effects of surgery

When would disable be a good substitute for sap?

The words disable and sap can be used in similar contexts, but disable suggests bringing about impairment or limitation in a physical or mental ability.

disabled by an injury sustained at work

When might enfeeble be a better fit than sap?

While in some cases nearly identical to sap, enfeeble implies a condition of marked weakness and helplessness.

enfeebled by starvation

Where would weaken be a reasonable alternative to sap?

In some situations, the words weaken and sap are roughly equivalent. However, weaken may imply loss of physical strength, health, soundness, or stability or of quality, intensity, or effective power.

a disease that weakens the body's defenses

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 sap
Noun
The sap does contain small amounts of amino acids, peptides, minerals (like potassium, magnesium and zinc) and trace antioxidants, notes Messer. Daryl Austin, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025 As the poor sap caught in the middle of this all, Daniel is largely a blank slate. Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
The bit was almost enough to sap the Emmys entirely of the energy that comes when an unexpected winner gets to react, along with the audience, to their surprise victory. Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 15 Sep. 2025 Tariffs are taxes on production, government spending is a tax on progress, deportation saps workforce productivity, and the weak dollar (see the gold price) is a tax on investment. John Tamny, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sap
Noun
  • His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continually uplifted others.
    Reice Shipley, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Oct. 2025
  • But sure enough, the artist born Frederick John Philip Gibson enlisted Amy Taylor and company for his drum n’ bass-inflected latest single, harnessing the group’s energy and then exploding it with Gesaffelstein-like sirens and typically all-over-the-place vocal triggers.
    Andrew Unterberger, Billboard, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Only a sucker would think the curtain close of the Eras Tour marked the end of Swift’s almighty reign in the pop sphere.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The team in green silenced a sea of red and white with a sucker-punch of a goal from a set-play.
    Joseph O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Cover the pot and the bottom few inches of the rose canes with soil, then add a layer of mulch for insulation.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Cane sugar is a popular sweetener that comes from sugar cane or sugar beets.
    Lindsey DeSoto, Health, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Gaza is decimated In Gaza, the Hamas-run health ministry says more than 66,000 people have been killed − about half of them women and children − and humanitarian agencies now warn of famine.
    Susan Page, USA Today, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The fresh red bell peppers in this meal are packed with nutrients, especially vitamin C and A for the immune system and eye health.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For investors, even opposition threats of repeal weaken confidence by raising doubts about long-term policy stability.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • While his core supporters remain loyal, sustained disapproval among the broader public could weaken his leverage in negotiations with Congress and erode confidence in his leadership.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Mulch may help rebuild topsoil and enhance water infiltration, potentially boosting plant vigor.
    Jon Stojan, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
  • It will be measured in the vigor of his curiosity, the depth of his attention, and the audacity of his explorations.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • After Bad Bunny kicks off Season 51, SNL will pass the baton to host Amy Poehler with musical guest Role Model, followed by Sabrina Carpenter‘s double-duty takeover as both host and musical guest.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Which is why Marant and Bekker are on a Zoom call one recent morning to chat about the passing of the baton.
    Mark Holgate, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Linebacker Zaire Franklin could not care less about the Colts’ strength of schedule.
    James Boyd, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Another important strength of the category may look at first like a contradiction.
    Rebecca Ackermann, The Atlantic, 5 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sap. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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