Synonyms of tap

tap 1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈtap 

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

• drum
• bang
• hit
• pat
• clap
• click
• beat
• knock
• pound
• rap
• bat
• slam
• thump
• smack
• hammer
• flick
• whack
• bop
• sock
• swat
• strike
• paste
• thwack
• thud
• bash
• ping
• clink
• tip
• wallop
• bonk
• clatter
• chuck
• chink
• pitter-patter
• pit-a-pat

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• drain
• pump
• siphon
• draw (off)
• suck
• empty
• bleed
• draft
• evacuate
• clean
• flush
• milk
• purge
• vacate
• exhaust
• clear
• void
• deplete
• vacuate
• decant
• effuse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fill
• water
• wash
• soak
• wet
• bathe
• drench
• douse
• drown
• overflow
• flood
• inundate
• submerge
• souse
• swamp
• deluge

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• valve
• spigot
• faucet
• cock
• gate
• stopcock
• hydrant
• spout
• petcock

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tap

Verb

The drug industry lobbying group PhRMA has tapped the former GOP House majority leader as pharma’s top voice in Washington, just as calls for lower drug prices and a change to the status quo reach a fever pitch. — STAT, 1 Oct. 2026

The movie’s wide-ranging success may be part of why he’s now being tapped to lead Paramount’s integration with Warner Bros. — Preston Fore, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

The multitasking tint keeps dry lips nourished (and never sticky) and leaves a fresh, dewy flush when tapped onto cheeks. — Madison San Miguel, Allure, 1 Oct. 2026

Greer said the doctor has to tap a large vessel above the heart. — Catherine Sweeney, NPR, 30 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing tap

• on tap