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

Many higher-income countries, though challenged by the disruption, have cushioned the blow by tapping strategic reserves or using their financial and political clout to secure emergency supplies. — Nana Menya Ayensu, semafor.com, 7 Sep. 2026

The two London clubs’ transfer dealings got off to a controversial start with Ashley Cole’s infamous move from Arsenal, a deal clouded by accusations of tapping up and considerable hostility. — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026

Naomi is clearly a creative force, and tapping in with someone like Mike can help make those ideas come to life. — Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 4 Sep. 2026

Adobe is tapping a new CEO as the company's stock has been pummeled due to investor concerns that artificial intelligence will disrupt software makers. — Annie Palmer, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026

For her part, Coney always asks if a fancy restaurant has Maldon salt before taking hers out and tapping a little pile onto the edge of her plate. — Maggie Hennessy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

The celebration kicks off with a ceremonial keg tapping on the first Friday of October and lasts the entire month. — Erika Ebsworth-Goold, Midwest Living, 1 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, newcomer Belle Frantz made her Opry debut by tapping Parton's love of gospel music. — Chris Parton, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2026

But overall, there is growing interest in tapping Ukraine for its expertise on modern warfare and, specifically, drones. — ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026