taps 1 of 3

verb (1)

Definition of tapsnext
present tense third-person singular of tap
as in drums
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

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taps

2 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of tap
as in drains
to remove (liquid) gradually or completely the oil company tapped that first well completely dry

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

taps

3 of 3

noun

plural of tap
as in valves
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

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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 taps
Verb
The appeal also taps into something more universal. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026 Buhrdorf taps his experience as a serial entrepreneur in building the ZenBusiness platform. — Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
Small white lights shine through the fabric to guide your taps. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 24 June 2026 Return your right hand to the floor and repeat on the other side (this time, left hand taps right shoulder). — Jakob Roze, Health, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for taps
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taps
  1. drums
  2. drains
  3. valves
  4. bangs
  5. pumps
Verb
  • Krieger and Densmore, the two surviving members of The Doors, are the backbone of the video, revisiting the signature guitar and drums parts more than a half-century after they were originally laid to wax.
    — Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
  • Instead of another room with a priest and young woman growling on the bed, the exorcisms in The Wailing are accompanied by chanting crowds, firepits, and drums beating as a great spectacle is made of the ritual.
    — Michael Lee Simpson, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
Definition of drums
Verb
  • Nutrient leaching when water drains out of containers and baskets adds to the problem.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 July 2026
  • The minerals are absorbed through the skin, boosting circulation and inducing a sweat that drains away the toxins.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 July 2026
Definition of drains
Noun
  • Special high-flow racing cylinder heads feature CNC porting, competition valves, springs, seats and keepers designed to work with new high-lift/duration cams.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
  • However, that all changed just a few days later when investigators noticed gas valves, expensive furniture and electronics all missing from the home.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Definition of valves
Verb
  • Especially the guy who bangs a wrecking ball against the historic East Wing to make room for an incongruous ballroom monstrosity, who mars the sacred Oval Office with gold glitter and paves over the lovely Rose Garden.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • When selecting the perfect of-the-moment style for you (Jane Birkin bangs?
    — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 8 June 2026
Definition of bangs
Verb
  • At Royal Ascot in June, Camilla closed the meeting in sand suede Eliot Zed pumps with a bespoke honey heel after three consecutive days in Chanel.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 9 July 2026
  • This places extra strain on the heart, which pumps harder to keep up with demand.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Definition of pumps

Browse Nearby Words

taprooms
taps
tar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Taps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taps. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on taps

Nglish: Translation of taps for Spanish Speakers

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