zap

verb

Definition of zapnext
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

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 zap The Hal-o-gram is tied to the ring, not the Lantern, so even though Sinestro claims the backup consciousness will zap out of existence as soon as John charges up, that’s just like, uh, his opinion, man. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026 The trio dealt with injuries at different times, which zapped their production. — Kansas City Star, 29 Sep. 2026 Participants remove invasive plants that zap up resources for native plants trying to reestablish themselves. — Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Obviously for high-level players who are Gallagher’s age, time can zap their overall game rather suddenly. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for zap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zap
  1. hit
  2. knock
  3. smack
  4. slap
  5. punch
  6. bang
  7. clap
  8. whack
Verb
  • Social media giant Meta was hit with a class action lawsuit in Australia on behalf of children and teenagers who allegedly suffered harm over the addictive design features and exposure to harmful content on its platforms Facebook and Instagram.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
  • For the past few years, Baba Stiltz has been hitting the open road with nothing but a guitar, a tape deck, and a few pedals.
    — Harry Thorfinn-George, Pitchfork, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • Nantz tried to knock the ball from Watt, but hit his wrist hard on the football and immediately grabbed his hand.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • But several people who played key roles in knocking the two candidates off the ballot have close ties to the congressman’s political operation.
    — Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of knock
Verb
  • Eventually, Bird’s film — with a script co-written by Matthew Robbins — gets to the meat of the action when Venus’ extremely complicated life runs smack into Ray and his knack for sniffing out bad guys.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2026
  • The Eagles also have been smacked with injuries and played without several key starters.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of smack
Verb
  • Trump has slapped tariffs on the Brazilian economy and punitive sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes, the chief justice most heavily involved in the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Ortiz allegedly slapped his hands on the side of the car, prompting the driver to stop and get out.
    — Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of slap
Verb
  • The 25-year-old who was punched refused medical attention at the scene.
    — Jesse Zanger, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The Rays punched their ticket to baseball’s biggest stage with a 7-3 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series, taking the best-of-seven series four games to two.
    — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of punch
Verb
  • Canada banged awkwardly into Williams’ knee on a box out during her late free throws and the Valkyries star was being cared for by an athletic trainer on the bench in the waning moments.
    — Janie McCauley, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Canada banged awkwardly into Williams’ knee on a box out during her late free throws and the Valkyries’ star was being cared for by an athletic trainer on the bench in the waning moments.
    — Janie McCauley, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of bang
Verb
  • Even as Heath stumbles his way through the lyrics, the audience respectfully claps along to the beat.
    — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
  • With his team facing fourth-and-3, his deficit at 21-7 early in the third quarter and his offense teetering between flat and listless, Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski stood on the sideline, eyed his players and clapped his hands.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of clap
Verb
  • When the game resumed, families in the stands celebrated each time a child managed to whack the ball.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
  • But every season thus far — not only including but especially this one — has concluded as a perverse, whack, and certainly damning portrait of American war games in an era of steep imperial decline.
    — Andy Andersen, Vulture, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of whack

Browse Nearby Words

zany
zap
zapped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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