1
as in smacking
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
she was so mad that she wanted to slap him right across the face
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in insulting
to cause hurt feelings or deep resentment in
tired of jokes that slap people of faith
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 slapping
That meant a pre-existing zero-tariff trade environment for exporters on both sides of the Atlantic was overridden, slapping new duties onto Scotch whisky and other spirits sent to America from Britain.
—
Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 May 2026
The movie's December 2022 release was largely overshadowed by the aftermath of Smith slapping Chris Rock on stage at that year's Academy Awards.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
This is simply slapping lipstick on a pig and, once again, taking no accountability.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
But there’s more to at-home extensions than slapping them on the crown of your head and heading out the door.
—Hunter Lacey, Allure, 9 Apr. 2026
That means going beyond slapping a flag on packaging in November.
—Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2026
Mirković took a straight line toward Wagler, slapping his hand and then bringing him in for a long hug — two freshmen raised 5,000 miles apart who came together to help the Illini reach their first Final Four since 2005.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Airlines across the region, like Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific are slapping hefty fuel surcharges on flights; Vietnam and the Philippines are even weighing whether to ground planes.
—Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
But every so often there comes a day that is so different—so unusual—so spectacular that its happening can only be chalked up to old-fashioned, knee-slapping good luck.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 1 May 2026
The movie's December 2022 release was largely overshadowed by the aftermath of Smith slapping Chris Rock on stage at that year's Academy Awards.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
This is simply slapping lipstick on a pig and, once again, taking no accountability.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
But there’s more to at-home extensions than slapping them on the crown of your head and heading out the door.
—Hunter Lacey, Allure, 9 Apr. 2026
That means going beyond slapping a flag on packaging in November.
—Peter Su, Rolling Stone, 1 Apr. 2026
Mirković took a straight line toward Wagler, slapping his hand and then bringing him in for a long hug — two freshmen raised 5,000 miles apart who came together to help the Illini reach their first Final Four since 2005.
—Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 1 Apr. 2026
Airlines across the region, like Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific are slapping hefty fuel surcharges on flights; Vietnam and the Philippines are even weighing whether to ground planes.
—Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 29 Mar. 2026
But every so often there comes a day that is so different—so unusual—so spectacular that its happening can only be chalked up to old-fashioned, knee-slapping good luck.
—Letters To The Editor, Hartford Courant, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slapping
Verb
-
Ruiz, making his fourth start, has hit two home runs in 14 Marlins plate appearances after smacking seven in his first 621 in the big leagues.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
3 May 2026
-
The flashes were caused by rocky objects smacking into the lunar surface, and the astronauts’ observations of them caused scientists in Mission Control at the Johnson Space Center to erupt in cheers.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some Chicago Flips Red members have been escorted out of City Council chambers and the county boardroom for violating rules of order — including shouting, interrupting or insulting other speakers or aldermen — and led some to consider or pursue orders of protection.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
4 May 2026
-
Her lack of confidence in Minnesota's skilled union miners and workers is insulting to their hard work and dedication.—
Esme Murphy,
CBS News,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
For any questions, ranging from recommendations for hitting the town to extra amenities needed, the lobby desk was always readily available and seemed genuinely happy to help.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 May 2026
-
Valdez has received a six-game suspension and a fine for an undisclosed amount after hitting Story in the back with a 94-mph fastball with the first pitch of the at-bat, MLB announced Wednesday.—
Senior Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
Baselitz was charged with offending public morality; the case dragged on for two years before being dismissed, but his reputation was cemented.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
1 May 2026
-
The image of an officer peering into the empty driver’s seat of the offending vehicle may have been good for a chuckle, but other incidents have been no laughing matter.—
Karen Garcia,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Summer is knocking at the door.—
Zach Dean OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
-
Not a dog barking or a feral cat knocking the lid off the garbage.—
Ellen Bass,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Verb
-
On Day 1 of the truce, and in the days since, Israel has stepped up attacks against Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy, in Lebanon, outraging Iran and leading to accusations the terms had been breached.—
Justin Fishel,
ABC News,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lee was arrested April 3 in the 9300 block of Cicero Avenue after punching a man at a nearby gas station, police said.—
Dennis Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
6 May 2026
-
Nilan and Miller spent a lot of those minutes punching each other, Nilan as a Canadien and Miller as a Bruin, during the 1980s iteration of the ancient rivalry.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The world’s second largest economy has been relatively insulated from the historic global oil crisis slamming its neighbors – including key regional US allies – due to China’s huge oil reserves, its high level of energy self-sufficiency and its early shift to green energy.—
Simone McCarthy,
CNN Money,
6 May 2026
-
Stewart’s critics have been slamming her, saying there was a pattern of favoritism at city hall during her 12-year tenure.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slapping. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
