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
Timothy started to cry, and Plato zapped him again.
—
Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Because once they’re zapped, they’re gone.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Known only as The Man from the Future, Rockwell's character zaps back from the future and lands in a Norms diner, looking to assemble a dream team to stop the AI apocalypse.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Lasers that focus on zapping drones out of the sky.
—Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zap
Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Because once they’re zapped, they’re gone.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Known only as The Man from the Future, Rockwell's character zaps back from the future and lands in a Norms diner, looking to assemble a dream team to stop the AI apocalypse.
—Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 Mar. 2026
Lasers that focus on zapping drones out of the sky.
—Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for zap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zap
Verb
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The Devil Wears Prada 2 is expected to hit theaters on May 1.—
Joyann Jeffrey,
PEOPLE,
11 Apr. 2026
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But Edwards hit a 3-pointer a few seconds later to push the lead to 135-128 and send the home fans streaming toward the exits.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Owens knocked on the door several times and demanded that Lorincz come outside.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
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Once again, the Huskies wouldn't quit, as Mullins finally found his shot beyond the arc, knocking that Michigan lead back to single digits with a follow-up three-pointer again to Lendeborg's layups.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But that came with a whole different kind of pressure, one that didn’t feed into Hurley’s psyche as the chronic Dom Quixote in search of another windmill to smack around.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
6 Apr. 2026
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During that time, the moon will appear mostly dark, which will give the astronauts a chance to observe the sun’s corona and look for flashes of light from rocky objects smacking into the moon.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In 2024, President Biden slapped China with 100 percent tariffs on its electric vehicles, or EVs.—
Seth Doane,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
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The extra base mattered when Ramos, 2-for-12 in the Philadelphia series and the first game against the Orioles, slapped a sinker to bring home Ramos.—
Jerry McDonald,
Mercury News,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The pair were arguing when the passenger punched the victim in the face, splitting his lip, cops said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
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Before the game, Sabres fans were in the parking lot taking turns punching a dummy with Hagel’s face taped on it.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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With the rebound lying in the goal mouth, Malkin was on the spot to bang it home.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
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Oregon State, Washington State, New Mexico State, San Jose State and others have expressed interest for the forward who can bang inside, run the floor and hit the mid-range jumper.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Close laughed at Kimmel's joke, while the players lightly clapped their hands, exchanging light laughs.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2026
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The astronauts laughed and clapped before becoming visibly uncertain, as no response came from the ground for a full minute.—
Joseph Howlett,
Scientific American,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The racket could be seen bending as Medvedev repeatedly whacked it on the clay court, as the crowd cheered with every strike.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
9 Apr. 2026
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Also, by making sure those who whack their kids around are held responsible for their shocking and unthinkable actions.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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