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

Statement-making jewelry was the route Harris and Mirren opted for, tapping designer Margot McKinney for the actress’ baubles. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026

January is the perfect time to refresh your closet with pieces that feel equal parts practical and playful, setting the tone for a year, and for me, that’s all about confidence, tapping into your personal style, and putting comfort first. —Belle Bakst, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026

Centered around a wood grill that fires up seafood and meat, along with an expansive bar, the 4,800-square-foot Ash and Agave is tapping into Cherry Creek’s business and pleasure-seeking community. —Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2026

People aren’t just tapping like buttons. —Stephanie Hind, Rolling Stone, 5 Jan. 2026