as in belts
a narrow and usually flat piece of a material that is used for fastening, holding together, or wrapping something
She had the nervous habit of fiddling with the strap of her watch.
Related Words
Relevance
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 straps
Dan Pompei, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
The standout feature for this backpack is its Wingjacket Protection, which includes flexible compression straps and padded sidewalls that protect and compress your items to minimize the bag’s overall size.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
The jumpsuit has a scoop neck and a criss-cross back with adjustable straps to naturally lift.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Tatum was sporting a gray hooded sweatshirt and black shorts, while Williams was photographed in a black bikini with white straps.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
The model stunned in the plunging G-string thong design, which was completely made out of black straps, see-through black mesh, and colorful embroidery.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
The black dress kept to the signature, body-hugging silhouette Jenner has come to love, with shimmering black sequin mesh that looked almost snake-like, and sheer embroidered side-paneling, delicate straps criss-crossing over the low back.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2026
The aim is practical comfort that could help new parents spend less time adjusting straps or tugging at seams and more time getting through a list that changes by the hour.
—Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
Kevlar is used on the knee straps and waistband for tension resistance and strength.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Noun
This is prime Allen — the reigning MVP, at 29 years old, is still in command of all his physical gifts and has developed an understanding beyond almost all who put straps to chins.
—Dan Pompei, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
The standout feature for this backpack is its Wingjacket Protection, which includes flexible compression straps and padded sidewalls that protect and compress your items to minimize the bag’s overall size.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 7 Jan. 2026
The jumpsuit has a scoop neck and a criss-cross back with adjustable straps to naturally lift.
—Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Tatum was sporting a gray hooded sweatshirt and black shorts, while Williams was photographed in a black bikini with white straps.
—Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026
The model stunned in the plunging G-string thong design, which was completely made out of black straps, see-through black mesh, and colorful embroidery.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
The black dress kept to the signature, body-hugging silhouette Jenner has come to love, with shimmering black sequin mesh that looked almost snake-like, and sheer embroidered side-paneling, delicate straps criss-crossing over the low back.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 5 Jan. 2026
The aim is practical comfort that could help new parents spend less time adjusting straps or tugging at seams and more time getting through a list that changes by the hour.
—Footwear News, 11 Nov. 2025
Kevlar is used on the knee straps and waistband for tension resistance and strength.
—Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 10 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for straps
Noun
-
Use it to keep scarves, belts, and hats organized and within easy reach.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Because Earth's atmosphere blocks X-rays, Chandra operates in space in a highly elliptical Earth orbit, enabling long, uninterrupted observations above our planet's radiation belts.—
Kenna Hughes-Castleberry,
Space.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
While there are plenty of bandages, wraps, and tapes, extra items such as an emergency thermal blanket, flashlights, sting relief, burn compression, and other items elevate this kit to support a variety of solutions.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Her source material is a pair of cassette tapes recorded by Dueñez in the ’90s, two of a series of bootlegs that the sonidero and his wife sold at the flea market along the Puente del Papa, a bridge connecting Monterrey’s prosperous city center with its mountainside slums.—
Philip Sherburne,
Pitchfork,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Instead of individual detachable sleeves held onto the vest with zippers or buttons, the Rippy Modular Windbreaker’s sleeves are combined into one piece that cinches in the front with a bungee cord.—
Will Porter,
Outside,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Unlike typical wide-leg jeans, this style flares out at the knee and subtly cinches back toward the ankle.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Colin Farrell reprised his role as Oz Cobb on HBO's The Penguin, which ties into the events of The Batman Part II.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
-
An insurgency that ties the United States down in Venezuela would delight Beijing and Russia.—
Eliot A. Cohen,
The Atlantic,
4 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
What threads them is an insistence, maybe even a stubbornness, that shopping still belongs in the physical world.—
Paul Jebara,
Condé Nast Traveler,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Once her nose is in place, Elvira gets an eyelash transplant whereby the same doctor threads fake lashes through her lower eyelid.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
23 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Straps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/straps. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share