as in slaps
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
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as in smacks
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
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Recent Examples of swats
Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Thumps sound, and his arm disappears as someone swats it down.
—Sahana Jayaraman, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swats
Verb
And when Melbourne still attempts to challenge the two-time Defensive Player of the Year, Wilson swats it away with ease.
—Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
Thumps sound, and his arm disappears as someone swats it down.
—Sahana Jayaraman, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for swats
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swats
Noun
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Leonard extended his 20-point streak to 49 straight games with 27 points on 9-of-19 shooting, welcoming hand slaps from teammates after hitting his second 3-pointer late in the game.—
Janis Carr,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
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The Singers centers on an impromptu sing-off in a bar, whereas Two People Exchanging Saliva explores a society where kissing is punishable by death, and people pay for things by receiving slaps to the face.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
15 Mar. 2026
Verb
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An attack rears its ugly head, and the security team smacks it down.—
Neil J. Rubenking,
PC Magazine,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Then reality smacks you in the face.—
DeJanay Booth-Singleton,
CBS News,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Curl Goddess Mascara gives you longer, more curled lashes in just a few swipes.—
Lily Wohlner,
Allure,
28 Mar. 2026
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Workplaces have long surveilled their employees, from tracking badge swipes to keyboard strokes.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
24 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Guzman knocks on the door, then goes behind a pillar.—
Zach Boetto,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
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It’s packed with anti-theft features Other than an accident (*knocks on wood*), my biggest fear is walking outside to find my expensive e-bike stolen.—
Erica Zazo,
Outside,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
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In Guyana’s capital city of Georgetown, neighbors can still hear the thumps.—
Tyler Jett,
Des Moines Register,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On a day when balls were not leaving the yard and hits to the warning track were rare, the Cubs still thrived.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
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Trash truck hits a resident’s vehicle – $47,000 The Board of Estimates approved a $47,000 settlement for Donald Stepp after a Department of Public Works trash truck struck his vehicle on Dundalk Avenue in February 2023.—
Chevall Pryce,
Baltimore Sun,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The boxers, aged 40 and 42 respectively, threw hopeful knockout punches and barely jabbed.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Apr. 2026
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Shesterkin looked to get the edge, feeding Markström with a series of right-handed punches.—
Peter Baugh,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Continue reading … ‘ABOMINATION’ — Turning Point USA slams Daily Mail over misleading Charlie Kirk murder coverage.—
,
FOXNews.com,
1 Apr. 2026
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The shop held monthly poetry slams and won numerous local awards for best bookstore in the city.—
Elizabeth Hernandez,
Denver Post,
30 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Swats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swats. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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