tap 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈtap How to pronounce tap (audio)
Definition of tapnext
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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tap

2 of 3

verb (2)

as in to drain
to remove (liquid) gradually or completely the oil company tapped that first well completely dry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tap

3 of 3

noun

as in valve
a fixture for controlling the flow of a liquid turn the tap to the right for cold water and to the left for hot water

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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 tap
Verb
Police in San Jose and other cities can tap networks of cameras aimed at public spaces, while departments throughout the region routinely request footage from residents and businesses. — Ethan Baron, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026 In addition to the Fab Four castings, several big names have been tapped to portray other important characters in The Beatles’ lives. — Nada Aboul Kheir, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026 Immediately after his passing, the company tapped David’s 38-year-old son Eli, the firm’s chief operating officer, to succeed him as CEO. — Kirk Ogunrinde, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 To check your chat history with Ask Maps, just tap the clock-like icon on the top right. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tap
  1. drum
  2. drain
  3. valve
  4. bang
  5. pump
Verb
  • On the island, Heiva i Tahiti has been celebrated every July since, with traditional dance, drumming, singing and sports, such as javelin throwing and canoe races.
    — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026
  • From sacred chants and tribal drumming to protest songs, stadium anthems and dance floors, music has long brought people together through sound, ritual and meaning.
    — Bija Bennett, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of drum
Verb
  • Freezing dormant coins, supporters argue, beats letting a future quantum thief drain them and dump them on the market.
    — Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Position the Pit Fill a small pot with well-draining potting soil.
    — SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 2 Aug. 2026
Definition of drain
Noun
  • Utilities use them to trip the opening or closing of valves when water levels reach a certain threshold or to dispense precise amounts of chlorine in the treatment process.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026
  • One malfunctioning valve has been identified as the reason why Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket exploded during a test that destroyed much of the company’s launch pad in Cape Canaveral.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of valve
Verb
  • There are some beautiful split-diopter shots, and the period soundtrack — Ultravox, Fleetwood Mac, Peter Gabriel, Blondie — is banging.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Loud rattling or banging from the AC unit could also be caused by a broken part.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of bang
Verb
  • Hydroelectric equipment initially powered construction machinery, while surplus electricity supported pumping and served Phoenix customers.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026
  • The pump should immediately turn on and begin pumping water out.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of pump

Phrases Containing tap

Browse Nearby Words

tantrums
tap
tap-dance
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Cite this Entry

“Tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tap. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on tap

Nglish: Translation of tap for Spanish Speakers

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