Synonyms of tapping

tapping 1 of 2

verb (1)

present participle of tap

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

• drumming
• banging
• pounding
• patting
• hitting
• clapping
• rapping
• knocking
• beating
• clicking
• slamming
• smacking
• thumping
• batting
• hammering
• whacking
• flicking
• bopping
• thudding
• swatting
• socking
• clattering
• pinging
• bashing
• clinking
• pasting
• thwacking
• striking
• walloping
• tipping
• bonking
• chinking
• chucking
• pitter-pattering
• pit-a-patting

tapping

2 of 2

verb (2)

present participle of tap

as in draining

to remove (liquid) gradually or completely

the oil company tapped that first well completely dry

Synonyms & Similar Words

• draining
• pumping
• siphoning
• sucking
• emptying
• bleeding
• drawing (off)
• drafting
• evacuating
• cleaning
• milking
• flushing
• clearing
• purging
• vacating
• depleting
• exhausting
• voiding
• vacuating
• decanting
• effusing

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• filling
• washing
• wetting
• soaking
• watering
• bathing
• drenching
• flooding
• dousing
• drowning
• overflowing
• inundating
• submerging
• sousing
• swamping
• deluging

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of tapping

Verb

By tapping into the intimacy of the user-AI relationship—effectively, the therapy use case—Anthropic has drawn first blood in the battle for trust. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 9 Feb. 2026

Levy jetted about the room, tapping people in and out of jobs. —Jane Bua, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026

The tax pro can advise you about the various tax consequences, including the likely bills for tapping your nest egg and selling your home. —Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026

Receiver Santonio Holmes had nine catches for 131 yards — including a spectacular, toe-tapping reception in the end zone with 35 seconds remaining — and claimed the MVP award. —Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026