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
But the possibility that these new tracks were augmented by AI saps the novelty, in the same way that an AI video of a raccoon climbing a string of Christmas lights isn’t cute in the slightest. — Andrew Ryce, Pitchfork, 3 Nov. 2026 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
Verb
Even when the Delta breezes bring relief, some days the heat saps the appetite. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for saps
Noun
  • How could anyone in the military support a repulsive, draft-dodging coward who called dead soldiers suckers and losers?
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The theory seems to be that there will always be another crop of suckers willing to pump money into the ecosystem, so the market will provide.
    — Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Questions that have been proposed for removal deal with memory, fatigue, arthritis, difficulty walking and climbing stairs, as well as others about the use of hearing aids, canes, wheelchairs and scooters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • This is because fruit development consumes much of the vine’s energy, so removing the fruit at this point allows the vine’s energy to continue to develop a strong cordon, canes (vertical shoots), and root system.
    — The San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • El Niño is a tropical Pacific climate pattern that weakens trade winds, shifts jet streams, and can increase the risk of flooding, droughts, and wildfires.
    — Cindy Carcamo, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026
  • And perhaps most importantly, gerrymandering weakens accountability.
    — Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Authorities are evaluating whether the use of batons and police dogs was excessive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Last week, at least 50 people, including 19 police personnel, were injured after police used tear gas, water cannons and batons to disperse garment workers demanding unpaid wages and higher pay in Dhaka’s Uttara area.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Unlike a traditional body lotion, the moisturizer’s lightweight, milky texture softens skin, smooths rough patches, and relieves dryness sans the greasy film.
    — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 30 Oct. 2026
  • This Quince tee is especially cozy thanks to being made from 100 percent cashmere, which softens more with every wear.
    — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Other prosecutors argued the death penalty wastes state resources while failing to fight crime or make residents safer.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Speech is the most natural interface to any intelligence, super or otherwise, and today’s voice AI wastes it.
    — Jay Peters, The Verge, 23 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Saps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/saps. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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