as in weak
lacking bodily strength
I was completely sapped after the first day of hauling logs
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in weakened
to diminish the physical strength of
weeks of hard work had sapped her and left her exhausted
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sapped
Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
And in the last quarter-century, relentless drought intensified by climate change has sapped the river’s flow and left its giant reservoirs severely depleted.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Her happiness became tethered to results that never came and social media pressure that sapped her self-worth.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
India also battled through nagging injuries that sapped his effectiveness.
—Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2026
However, the effort Betts poured into the transition (and an early-season virus that sapped his strength) seemed to adversely impact his offense.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
These last years of losing Dad in chunks—from his not recognizing me to not remembering what a toothbrush was for—have sapped my fight.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
The illnesses sapped not only Rodriguez’s strength but also her desire to play basketball.
—Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
The Hurricanes made other mistakes at crucial times that sapped momentum.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
The Aggies like to play a small lineup since some early-season injuries sapped the team of some frontcourt depth.
—Thomas Jones, Austin American Statesman, 28 Feb. 2026
And in the last quarter-century, relentless drought intensified by climate change has sapped the river’s flow and left its giant reservoirs severely depleted.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
Her happiness became tethered to results that never came and social media pressure that sapped her self-worth.
—Zak Keefer, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
India also battled through nagging injuries that sapped his effectiveness.
—Kansas City Star, 4 Feb. 2026
However, the effort Betts poured into the transition (and an early-season virus that sapped his strength) seemed to adversely impact his offense.
—Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 30 Jan. 2026
These last years of losing Dad in chunks—from his not recognizing me to not remembering what a toothbrush was for—have sapped my fight.
—Danielle Parker, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
The illnesses sapped not only Rodriguez’s strength but also her desire to play basketball.
—Bobby Narang, Chicago Tribune, 13 Jan. 2026
The Hurricanes made other mistakes at crucial times that sapped momentum.
—Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sapped
Adjective
-
But relying on the military to supplant the role traditionally performed by civilian law enforcement entails risks in a region where military institutions and oversight are weaker, armed forces have a legacy of human rights abuses and corruption is a perennial challenge.—
JOSHUA GOODMAN THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
6 Mar. 2026
-
January’s stronger-than-expected total was likely buoyed by some one-time factors (notably, weaker holiday hiring that meant fewer post-holiday layoffs, and unseasonably warm weather in the early part of the month that boosted industries like construction).—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The lower target follows a yearslong property sector slump that sent home prices tumbling, weakened domestic consumption and investment confidence and led to massive job losses.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Mar. 2026
-
But Bradost said that the Kurdish parties were open to working with most Iranian political forces—just not the Islamic Republic, which is now too weakened to be a partner, or Reza Pahlavi, the son of the late shah of Iran, who has been publicly hostile to the Kurdish parties.—
Arash Azizi,
The Atlantic,
4 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Scratches above the dead body reach upward, marks that read as feeble attempts to cling to some semblance of life.—
Anel Rakhimzhanova,
Artforum,
1 Mar. 2026
-
When approached, such a goose might have made a feeble attempt to escape.—
Bryan Hendricks,
Arkansas Online,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
No one would ever mistake border czar Tom Homan as a softie, but his replacement of Greg Bovino softened the look of Washington’s footprint there, giving way to a drawdown of force.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Add white and light green parts of scallions to skillet; cook over medium, stirring often, until softened, about 1 minute.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
If you’re exhausted by life, you’re allowed to cancel plans — even fun ones — to restore your energy.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Eligibility requirements The city began accepting applications this week and will continue through June 30 this year, or until funding is exhausted, whichever comes first.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Unfortunately, our tax dollars for traffic control are being wasted since there was no police enforcement anywhere in sight as usual.—
Ticked Off,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 Mar. 2026
-
Though doubt may creep in, keep reminding yourself that any effort spent on those goals wasn’t wasted.—
Tarot.com,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sapped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sapped. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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