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
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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
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Recent Examples of slapping
The squad congregated outside the dressing room, slapping hands and hugging each other.
—
James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Video from the incident shows Shields slapping Baumgardner's hand to punctuate a heated exchange.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
In the video clip, Cain can be seen slapping Emma on the back repeatedly, attempting to dislodge the chip.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
At the surrounding tables patrons were talking, laughing, slapping one another heartily on the back.
—Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
From Rome, Rubio announced the administration was slapping additional sanctions on Cuba.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Among the plaintiffs, two protesters faced minor charges that were quickly dropped—each accused of impeding a federal officer for slapping the agent’s phone from their hand—while the other two were charged with no crimes at all.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026
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
This is simply slapping lipstick on a pig and, once again, taking no accountability.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
James McNicholas, New York Times, 25 May 2026
Video from the incident shows Shields slapping Baumgardner's hand to punctuate a heated exchange.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026
In the video clip, Cain can be seen slapping Emma on the back repeatedly, attempting to dislodge the chip.
—ABC News, 20 May 2026
At the surrounding tables patrons were talking, laughing, slapping one another heartily on the back.
—Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
From Rome, Rubio announced the administration was slapping additional sanctions on Cuba.
—Rick Jervis, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Among the plaintiffs, two protesters faced minor charges that were quickly dropped—each accused of impeding a federal officer for slapping the agent’s phone from their hand—while the other two were charged with no crimes at all.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 7 May 2026
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
This is simply slapping lipstick on a pig and, once again, taking no accountability.
—Zach Dean Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for slapping
Verb
-
Chicago rookie Munetaka Murakami became the first player in major league history to homer in the first game of eight straight series, smacking a solo shot off Emerson Hancock (3-1) in the first.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
-
Chicago rookie Munetaka Murakami became the first player in major league history to homer in the first game of eight straight series, smacking a solo shot off Emerson Hancock (3-1) in the first.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Walters, in questioning the Kardashians’ talent, was doing more than merely insulting her guests.—
Megan Garber,
The Atlantic,
24 May 2026
-
Even after losing, Massie took jabs at Trump during his concession speech, insulting the President’s White House ballroom and highlighting the rise in gas prices.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Jocytė finished with three points in 16 minutes, most notably calling for an isolation against Clark and hitting a 3-pointer in her face.—
Nathan Canilao,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
-
Not even the bonus of a Yeremy Pino free kick hitting both posts yet somehow staying out could help Rayo respond.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
In an effort to send a message to any minors planning to descend on the Jersey Shore for a weekend of lawbreaking and recklessness, Vaz is vowing to prosecute both the offending child and their parents.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
-
The offending symbol still stays there and demands to be dealt with.—
Charlotte Maracina,
USA Today,
20 May 2026
Verb
-
Even 6 inches of moving water can pose a serious risk of knocking you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
29 May 2026
-
Sounds like big savings knocking on your doorstep.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
28 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
-
After a breakup, the teen was spotted punching a tree and behaving irrationally, the declaration states.—
Teri Figueroa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 May 2026
-
Surveillance images of a man accused of punching two people on a CTA train at the Belmont stop for the Red, Brown, and Purple lines on May 25, 2026.—
Todd Feurer,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
Verb
-
Footage of the game then showed George hobbling back to the dugout, slamming his helmet in frustration.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
-
Reyes is accused of intentionally slamming his SUV into the rear of the ICE agent's white pickup truck while the officer was performing official duties, according to the indictment.—
Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Slapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/slapping. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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