as in to drum
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically
tapped her foot in time to the music kept tapping the desk with his pencil
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to drain
to remove (liquid) gradually or completely
the oil company tapped that first well completely dry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of tap
Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Keeper Chris Brady – also on at halftime for Turner – charged forward from his net but Jackson beat him to the ball, lofting it over the American keeper and then tapping it into Mane’s path for his second goal.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
On two evenings, my drinks were served alongside toe-tapping performances from local musicians.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
The first-stage booster that had been tapped during the original attempts was discarded for a new booster.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tap
Verb
Visitors can access the restrooms in several ways, including scanning a QR code posted on the unit, sending a text message, using the Throne mobile app or tapping a phoneless access card.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 31 May 2026
Keeper Chris Brady – also on at halftime for Turner – charged forward from his net but Jackson beat him to the ball, lofting it over the American keeper and then tapping it into Mane’s path for his second goal.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 31 May 2026
On two evenings, my drinks were served alongside toe-tapping performances from local musicians.
—Chrissie McClatchie, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
The first-stage booster that had been tapped during the original attempts was discarded for a new booster.
—Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for tap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tap
Verb
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Trump has worked ever since to drum the senator from office and recruited an opponent to run against him in this year's GOP primary.—
Eric McDaniel,
NPR,
30 May 2026
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The group, founded in 2004, delivers a mix of drumming/percussion, music and dancing that presents a contemporary take on the traditional music and dance of the Punjab region of India.—
Randy McMullen,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
Verb
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While discussions about quantum-resistant hard forks exist, the path of least resistance for an attacker would be to drain them immediately — making a swift theft the most plausible outcome unless controversial collective action is taken.—
Sandy Peng,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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This tender fruit loves warm weather and can grow in the ground or containers, so long as the plants receive full sun and well-draining soil.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
28 May 2026
Noun
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This reaction, however, produces heat, which can be controlled through adding chemical inhibitors or utilizing release valves, chemists say.—
Jason Henry,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
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Teams deemed the valve needed to be replaced and the rocket needed to be rolled back from the pad to Boeing’s Vertical Integration Facility.—
Richard Tribou,
The Orlando Sentinel,
30 May 2026
Verb
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To reduce air bubbles in a batter, use the paddle on low for a minute or two before pouring it into the pan, then gently bang the pans once or twice on the countertop to release any large air bubbles.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
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Both traveled at least 428 feet and banged off the batter’s eye at Globe Life Field, where Alvarez has hit 17 home runs in his career.—
Chandler Rome,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
Verb
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Malaysian diver Lee Kian Lie told CNN that rescue divers were teaching the villagers how to dive out of the cave themselves, as the space is narrow and water levels are not coming down despite efforts to pump the water out.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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Four others were able to climb out by themselves on Saturday, Laos rescue group Rescue Volunteer for People said on Facebook, as water levels came down following efforts to pump water out of the cave system.—
Freddie Clayton,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tap. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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