as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
zapped the annoying bug with a swatter
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of zap
But in every case, the ransomware managed to encrypt files in unprotected folders before being zapped, with the number of files lost ranging from 40 to over 10,000.
—
PC Magazine, 31 July 2025
The familiar origin story of the gang gaining superpowers after being zapped by cosmic rays remained mostly intact.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 25 July 2025
The zapper emits a blue-violet light that attracts flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and wasps, then zaps them with 4,200 volts of electricity.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 18 July 2025
Team it with a broad spectrum, high factor sunscreen to further protect your skin against collagen-zapping UV rays.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 17 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for zap
PC Magazine, 31 July 2025
The familiar origin story of the gang gaining superpowers after being zapped by cosmic rays remained mostly intact.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 25 July 2025
The zapper emits a blue-violet light that attracts flying insects like mosquitoes, flies, gnats, and wasps, then zaps them with 4,200 volts of electricity.
—Maggie Horton, People.com, 18 July 2025
Team it with a broad spectrum, high factor sunscreen to further protect your skin against collagen-zapping UV rays.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 17 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for zap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zap
Verb
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When the financial crisis hit in 2008, Mindy Fitzpatrick considered selling her family’s 6-acre wooded lot on Friendly Road.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
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Sticker shock, though, is expected to hit when consumers shop for 2026 model year cars and trucks as more of those vehicles arrive at dealer lots, according to Cox Automotive.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Arkansas held a 16-point lead in the second half against Texas Tech, but the Red Raiders rallied to win 85-83 in overtime to secure a trip to the Elite Eight and knock the Razorbacks out of the tournament.—
Michael Harley,
Arkansas Online,
12 Sep. 2025
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Chiefs crushed the Patriots that night, winning 41-14 at Arrowhead Stadium and Brady was benched after the Chiefs smacked him down.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
12 Sep. 2025
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Pinch-hitters Agustín Ramírez and Eric Wagaman then smacked consecutive RBI singles to deliver the Marlins their first lead of the series.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Later that night Plumier demonstrates by swiftly slapping the limp green body of a bullfrog hard across his leg.—
Sophie Hartley,
IndyStar,
9 Sep. 2025
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Garraty is forced to slap himself across the face to stay awake as Barkovitch taunts him.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After McNeil refused to get out of his car, Bowers smashed the driver’s side window, punched McNeil in the head and pulled him out of the SUV.—
Christopher Cann,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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But the biggest red flag comes in the first episode when Laura sees Cherry punch a guy on the street shortly after their first family dinner in London.—
Olivia B. Waxman,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This prompted an intervention from the speaker, who banged his gavel multiple times.—
Zachary Folk,
Forbes.com,
12 Sep. 2025
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When Weimers went on to give up his remaining speaking time for a moment of silence, Vice President Katarina Barley cut him off, sparking desk-banging protests from right-wing lawmakers in the chamber.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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DeMarco was also entetaining with his amusing banter in between songs while encouraging his New York fans to clap and wave their arms.—
David Chiu,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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Percussion and a choir imbued the ballad with a pulse, and the gracious Warren quickly turned to clap for the singers at song’s end.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The robot showcased exemplary skills with the bat, whacking the ball precisely in a rally of over 100 shots with human-like agility.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Sep. 2025
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After consulting with the stunt coordinator, who gave her permission, Cooke whacked him – hard.—
James Hibberd,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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