as in drumming
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
Relevance
as in draining
to remove (liquid) gradually or completely
the oil company tapped that first well completely dry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 tapping
Sarah Scott, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025
McNeeley intends on performing wherever Lee places him on the court, tapping into his gritty demeanor, and nodded in virtual appreciation when Lee’s words were relayed to him.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
The shadow of a mad scientist is always creeping over his shoulder, tapping on it, reminding him to be clever.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
By tapping Broadcom’s networking technology, OpenAI is hedging its bets.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tapping
Verb
The Smiths are known for tapping into Daddy’s name for unique inspiration by choosing two words for the first and middle names of their babies, and this angel is no exception.
—Sarah Scott, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025
McNeeley intends on performing wherever Lee places him on the court, tapping into his gritty demeanor, and nodded in virtual appreciation when Lee’s words were relayed to him.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 Oct. 2025
The shadow of a mad scientist is always creeping over his shoulder, tapping on it, reminding him to be clever.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 13 Oct. 2025
By tapping Broadcom’s networking technology, OpenAI is hedging its bets.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for tapping
Cite this Entry
“Tapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tapping. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share