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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
If that’s not enough, their sticky sap can drip on cars and driveways below. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026 Last year, the state’s Department of Food and Agriculture cut down 30% of the nursery’s citrus trees on concerns they were infested with Asian citrus psyllid, a sap-sucking bug that transmits a devastating citrus disease. Pat Maio, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
Data center plans have stirred public controversy due to the massive needs of water and energy to run the them, and nearby residents worry could centers could sap up their own resources and drive up electric bills. Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026 But the plot also retains a serial quality that saps momentum and betrays its TV roots. Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sap
Noun
  • The Sun came into the second half with a burst of energy sparked by back-to-back buckets from Miller.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • Osvald Søe, 20, Wilson Eisner, 24, and Kieran Sargeant, 22, have all contributed to a developmental foundation that gives Varas’ club energy, athleticism, upside, and, at times, understandable volatility.
    Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • The flies are blood-suckers, like mosquitos, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.
    Eva Flowe May 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 May 2026
  • Brunson is a sucker for learning, a sucker for details.
    James L. Edwards III, New York Times, 3 May 2026
Noun
  • Betye Saar practically levitates into the room wearing a Max Mara jacket that resembles a bird’s plumage, with a butter-yellow silk Dior dress grazing the ground behind her and a cane in her hand.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
  • Bad Bunny went full costume, carrying a cane and dressing up as an older version of himself with gray hair and special effects makeup to add years to his face.
    Beatrice Dupuy, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • While everyone can be affected by smoke or ozone, the MPCA says those at higher risk of health complications include outdoor workers, older adults, children, those who are pregnant, and those who have heart or lung conditions.
    Forum News Service, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
  • California, Arizona, Texas and Georgia are also monitoring residents who were passengers, according to their respective health departments.
    Eve Chen, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • As consumer activity has weakened, the central bank has warned about the growing misalignment between real sentiment and headline GDP growth.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
  • Heat can shrink fabrics, fade colors and weaken elastic fibers, which shortens the life of garments that would otherwise hold up for years.
    Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Although not invasive, irises do need to be divided every few years to maintain vigor.
    Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 5 May 2026
  • Staging new works or expanding into a new venue can bring a fresh view of a performing arts company and, with this, a confirmation of continuing vigor.
    Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Harper and Fox each scored 24 points and Stephon Castle added 20 as the Spurs guards unflinchingly took the baton from their 7-foot-4 superstar and turned the rest of the night into a midrange clinic with an array of pull-up jumpers in and around the paint.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 May 2026
  • With the top line of Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov and Seth Jarvis still in the starting blocks, as far as production goes, the second line has grabbed the baton and finished two legs of the race.
    Sean Gentille, New York Times, 10 May 2026
Noun
  • No Wolves player scored more than 12 points on a night the Spurs’ swarming defense created too much havoc too allow Minnesota to exploit its advantages in size and strength.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026
  • While other safeties have had success with that small frame, the Dolphins must learn if Taaffe has the strength and tackling ability to bring opponents down consistently as the team’s last line of defense on just about every single play.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sap. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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