taps 1 of 3

Definition of tapsnext
present tense third-person singular of tap

taps

2 of 3

verb (2)

present tense third-person singular of tap

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
Today the program, led by Lucinda Vette, extends far beyond riding and taps deeply into the way the animals respond to the feelings and intentions of the Miraval participants. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 28 Aug. 2026 How a smart toilet works Most of these devices activate the moment a user taps a fingerprint sensor to start a session. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 27 Aug. 2026 The moment taps a broader wartime tradition in Ukraine, where heroic dogs, cats and rescuers become national emblems — and American gestures of solidarity carry growing political weight. Laurie Kellman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026 The startup also gets data from the community and universities, and taps content from its previous business as a big data company. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026 At the end of the play, Ezukanma taps Fields on the helmet and Fields appears to ball up his fist and then the two exchange words. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Aug. 2026 Midway through the program, my hallmate Esme Bloom taps my shoulder. Literary Hub, 17 Aug. 2026 Already in 26 schools in the county, Sources of Strength taps faculty advisors, then trains 6-12% of the student body to be peer leaders. Julianna Mejia, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026 While Kersten taps his Swedish security connections for information about Wohmann, the intrepid journalist relies on chutzpah and archival detective work. Alissa Simon, Variety, 7 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for taps
Verb
  • The franchise’s iconic theme song is starting to play, the loud warrior drums about to give way to that ubiquitous melody.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 20 Aug. 2026
  • 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
Verb
  • Once the cycle is complete, the dirty water drains away and you’re left with clean, wet clothing.
    Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott, Southern Living, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Defensiveness extends conversations, weakens credibility and drains emotional energy that could have been directed toward solving problems.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • During that incident, hackers gained access to a digital system which remotely controls one of the dam’s valves and opened it to increase the water flow.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Robots had 30 minutes to identify hazardous substances, locate and shut off three open valves of different types, spot a fire, and then find a fire extinguisher to put it out.
    Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 25 Aug. 2026
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
Verb
  • Scoop it up for half-off, then pick up these Jeffrey Campbell pumps and a pretty clutch to complete the look.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • His North American Blue Energy Partners, or NABEP, pumps about 200,000 barrels of crude a day from fields around Lake Maracaibo and the Orinoco Belt, according to a person familiar with the matter.
    Fabiola Zerpa, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Taps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/taps. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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