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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of swats
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for swats
Noun
The Wolverines had only three swats against Arizona, but that was a 91-73 win in a game that was supposed to be the best of the tournament but turned into something else.
—
CBS News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
What’s next, a robotic baseball player named Babe that swats 500-foot home runs and throws 120 mph pitches, eclipsing Shohei Ohtani’s real-life achievements and commanding a billion dollar contract?
—
Steve Henson,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for swats
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swats
Noun
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Devers petulantly left the field, avoided handshakes and butt slaps in the dugout, and retreated to the clubhouse.
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Whoever loses slaps the other in the face with a tortilla, usually causing water to spray out of their mouth.
Verb
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The boy smacks him in the mouth and then immediately starts crying.
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An attack rears its ugly head, and the security team smacks it down.
Noun
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Salicylic acid works deep within pores to tackle buildup, while lactic acid smooths rough texture and refines skin’s surface, leaving skin looking clearer and feeling smoother in just a few swipes.
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But there were no swipes, obvious or subtle, at an ECB hierarchy he has been said to be at war with and there was a firm denial of a rift with McCullum, echoing the sentiments expressed by the England coach on Tuesday.
Verb
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From conveyor belts and baggage carts to overhead bins and taxi trunks, luggage is constantly subjected to bumps, knocks and rough handling.
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This knocks Europe out in a single shot.
Noun
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Agents yelled from every direction, and the thumps of a news helicopter overhead were deafening.
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You’ll be thrown around in your seat, which moves in sync with the action, along with thumps in the back, splashes of water, blasts of air, smoke, and flashes of light.
Verb
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Of course, the movie had to contend with the beloved Toy Story 5, and the staying power of recent horror hits like Obsession and Backrooms, so that at least explains it.
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For a good deal on a budget gaming laptop, this 35% discount on the Asus TUF 16 hits the sweet spot.
Noun
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Rey exploded on Ethan with 10-count punches, but a tilt-a-whirl was countered by Page with a sitout faceplant.
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Members of Rita's loyalty program who use the Rita’s Ice app will get double loyalty punches with a purchase of the treat.
Verb
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Taylor Sheridan slams critics Sheridan's series are all hits with regular people, but he's routinely been a target for critics.
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His hand fans out into a wave, then the door slams shut.
Cite this Entry
“Swats.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swats. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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