saps 1 of 2

plural of sap

saps

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of sap

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 saps
Noun
Her Erika Tracy has Gloria Swanson’s hunger for male saps, Greta Garbo’s carriage, Marlene Dietrich’s disdain and Barbara Stanwyck’s wiles. Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026 This slows growth, destroys social trust, increases judgment and moralism, and saps societal happiness. Annie Lowrey, The Atlantic, 24 May 2026 Usually, fitting smaller wheels to an EV increases range because the rotation of each wheel causes a lot of drag that saps range, and smaller, narrower wheels disturb less air. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2026 But in the opinions of the two lead detectives on the case, to comment on every single one, to give credence publicly to even the most dubious messages, as Captain Donahoe was doing, only made the department look like a bunch of saps. Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026 Every meeting between bare skin and river air saps your resolve, but those that resist the comfort of a warm den and a big screen television packed with sporting events are rewarded with some of the year's best fishing. Bryan Hendricks, Arkansas Online, 25 Jan. 2026 The end of a new president’s first year is supposed to be a pivot point, when midterm elections come into focus and party leaders game out what can still be accomplished before campaigning saps Washington’s will to do anything at all. Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 16 Dec. 2025 Certain bark layers, saps, and other plant matter can actually photoluminesce. Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 Oct. 2025 That functional mismatch saps away at the comedy of a film clearly made to be enjoyed by a global audience. David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
Misalignment saps energy and trust, making early, honest conversations vital for strong, lasting partnerships. Rick Ford, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The Flip 7 and earlier models sometimes required both hands to open, which saps the joy out of it. Eric Zeman, PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2026 Voisard noted that an eagle’s first flight is a stressful endeavor that saps the bird’s energy. Kris Wernowsky, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026 But the plot also retains a serial quality that saps momentum and betrays its TV roots. Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026 But hamate surgery often saps a hitter of power, something Lindor, Carroll and Holliday were expected to supply in 2026. Andy McCullough, New York Times, 12 Feb. 2026 Cast and crew are emotionally invested in the urgency of the material, but the bland competency of the whole affair saps it of power. Will Leitch, Vulture, 16 Dec. 2025 Their style saps all the kitsch from beachy design and leaves just the parts that feel traveled, artisanal, and sophisticated. Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 28 Nov. 2025 Internal resistance from the membrane’s structure saps additional efficiency. Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saps
Noun
  • Some kinds of trees, such as honey locusts, hackberries, lindens and maples, are naturally more inclined to produce suckers.
    Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The ornamental characteristics of suckers that develop from roots are inferior to the upper portion of the tree.
    Molly Burford, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Pruning In winter, when canes are done producing fruit for the season, prune the canes that bore fruit down to the base of the plant so new ones will grow in the spring.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Sales of Cardinal’s consumer healthcare products, such as crutches, canes and its Leader brand of cough drops and other over-the-counter medications, are also reported here.
    Zev Fima, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The use of noble language to describe a process that weakens constitutional guardrails only widens the disconnect between words and actions.
    Yuripzy Morgan, Baltimore Sun, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The erosion of those countries’ industrial capacity ultimately weakens their ability to compete with and resist China economically, diplomatically, and militarily.
    Bill Cassidy, Foreign Affairs, 19 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The Omaha Police Department said officers will continue to carry tasers, batons, OC spray and firearms.
    Kathy McCormack, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Running battles erupted throughout downtown as security forces used tear gas and batons to disperse crowds, while protesters responded with barricades, stones, and slingshots.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Beyond any of the sociocultural flotsam and jetsam, hanging out with your crush on a lake at a northern latitude both softens and distills all the brain-stem-deep associations with what summer means.
    Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The Velvet filter softens the overall contrast and wraps the scene in a warmer, vintage-like tone that makes the blues and purples feel richer.
    Kimberly Gedeon, PC Magazine, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hathaway reunited with Nolan for the heady space drama Interstellar, and once again, the director wastes none of her talents.
    Chris Bellamy, Entertainment Weekly, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Nailing it down too early just wastes time because your vision's granular details will evolve throughout the journey anyway.
    Chris Strouthopoulos, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Saps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saps. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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