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
In the Boston area, a train with lasers mounted in front zaps the rails to deal with leaf slurry that creates an oil slick.
—
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
This is especially vital as Mars in your 4th House of Memory zaps Chiron in your sociable 7th house.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
Even with Slack zapping the number of emails sent, most people still waste so much time sifting through their inboxes.
—semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The alcohol will zap the oily residue and grime left by a human hand.
—Alicia Chilton, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zap
Doug Ross, Chicago Tribune, 1 Feb. 2026
This is especially vital as Mars in your 4th House of Memory zaps Chiron in your sociable 7th house.
—Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 13 Jan. 2026
Even with Slack zapping the number of emails sent, most people still waste so much time sifting through their inboxes.
—semafor.com, 9 Jan. 2026
The alcohol will zap the oily residue and grime left by a human hand.
—Alicia Chilton, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zap
Verb
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In seeing their six-game winning streak halted just before hitting the friendly skies for a four-game road trip that tips off in Phoenix on Sunday, the Hornets (32-32) were victimized by Miami in the fourth quarter.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Mar. 2026
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Byron Buxton was hit by a pitch in the fifth to push the Americans’ lead to 4-1.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With the combination of rising oil prices, and the demand knocking at Moscow's door, Vladimir Vladimirovich's war against Ukraine might could be much better funded for the rest of the year.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Mar. 2026
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Her furious attempts to extricate herself from Ramirez ended with her smacking her head on the parking lot asphalt and Ramirez hitting her in the right eye, according to the arrest report.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
9 Mar. 2026
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Everson’s head appeared to smack into the goal post.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Kiel grounded out to third base before Sorrell slapped a single to right field, but was caught trying to steal second base.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
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Itoje was sin-binned in the 64th for illegally slapping the ball in a maul and 13 men were playing Italy's 15.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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One man repeatedly punches a man lying on the ground while another man appears to hold his feet.—
Caelyn Pender,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
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Chicago police are searching for a man who allegedly punched another man in the Back of the Yards neighborhood on Monday evening.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Another bangs his head against the wall after expressing suicidal thoughts.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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On Tuesday, Freeny banged for loose balls and rebounds and helped limit Cornhuskers’ guard Pryce Sandfort to nine points on nine field-goal attempts.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Doncic’s technical was his 14th of the season – he wasn’t whistled for a second despite clapping at a referee to protest a no-call in the final minutes.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
4 Mar. 2026
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Doncic received his 14th technical foul of the season in the second quarter, and he wasn't whistled for a second despite clapping at a referee to protest a no-call in the final minutes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If our fates were inscribed in our genetics, why would anyone bother to maintain a skin-care routine, much less go to the trouble of jamming his tongue against the top of his mouth or whacking himself with a hammer?—
Becca Rothfeld,
New Yorker,
7 Mar. 2026
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Family-friendly attractions abound, from old-school carnival games like ring toss and whack-a-mole to a fun house with mirror mazes and glowing lights.—
Lauren Dana Ellman,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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