as in slap
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
the impatient toddler got a swat on his wrist for stepping into the street by himself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to smack
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
didn't sleep a wink all night because she was too busy swatting mosquitoes
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of swat
Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
In the case of the viral video, however, the owner's context that the dogs get along well suggests that this swat was likely a boundary-testing nudge.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026
On Monday, Brann swatted down Attorney General Pam Bondi's unusual decision to replace Habba indefinitely with three Justice Department officials who would share authority for the office.
—ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swat
Noun
In a demonstration to military clients, Julian uses bright scarlet lasers to render Ares and an intimidating swat truck in his private hangar.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Oct. 2025
In the case of the viral video, however, the owner's context that the dogs get along well suggests that this swat was likely a boundary-testing nudge.
—Maria Morava, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
Verb
Already facing federal investigations on money laundering claims along with other casinos, Resorts World has tried to swat away Cipriani’s lawsuit.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2026
On Monday, Brann swatted down Attorney General Pam Bondi's unusual decision to replace Habba indefinitely with three Justice Department officials who would share authority for the office.
—ABC News, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swat
Noun
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The year 2000 was a good one for world-dominating rap singles that landed like an open palm slap to the jaw.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
14 Mar. 2026
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Will Smith’s onstage slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars is the obvious example.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Her furious attempts to extricate herself from Ramirez ended with her smacking her head on the parking lot asphalt and Ramirez hitting her in the right eye, according to the arrest report.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
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Everson’s head appeared to smack into the goal post.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
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There was a sudden, loud thump, and Bernie Watermolen brought us awake with a yell that was enough to raise the dead.—
Doris DeCleene,
Outdoor Life,
25 Feb. 2026
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Pitchers and catchers report This week, Albernaz gets a glimpse of his pitching staff and catchers, before the thump of an offensive lineup joins the workouts.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But a final autopsy report determined there was no link between the fight — during which Mejia appeared to slam her head into a wall — and her death.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
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The collision sent the fire truck careening into an Access-a-Ride bus, which in turn slammed into a Lexus SUV, police said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The final blow came in the 70th minute with Sveindís Jónsdóttir’s run down the left flank, setting up Miahara Niehues, making a late run in the middle, for the finish.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Hot tools are big and bulky, and most hotels provide some sort of blow dryer.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With the combination of rising oil prices, and the demand knocking at Moscow's door, Vladimir Vladimirovich's war against Ukraine might could be much better funded for the rest of the year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The room fills with the sound of meditative thuds against caribou skin drums and the haunting, throaty vocals of several Tasiilaq men and women.—
Megan Spurrell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
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Scream 4 landed with a thud upon release, but history has rescued its reputation among die-hards.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The mobile margarita bar in an an old VW van was an Instagram hit - and served a pretty perfect cocktail.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
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The Big 12 player of the year hit the game-winner from the right side — while also falling to his right with the Cyclones’ Killyan Toure closely guarding.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Swat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swat. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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