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
  • Prosecutors said Wilcox was hit by gunfire, fell to the ground and fired three more gunshots at the officers.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The different program sales operations of Skydance hit the Côte d’Azur under their pre-existing Paramount and WB brands.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • That news knocked about 5% off its shares on July 27 and sent the cost of insuring its debt sharply higher.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Last season, the Seahawks ended San Francisco's year and knocked them out of the playoffs.
    — David Troy OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 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
  • Antetokounmpo wasted no time in starting to rave about the Heat culture, a phrase that has become a lightning rod for criticism from talking heads around the NBA — especially after the franchise slapped the word across shirts and jerseys.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Less than three months after that deal was announced in January 2022, Smith became an industry pariah after slapping Chris Rock onstage at the Oscars, earning a 10-year ban from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of slap
Verb
  • Rams left tackle Alaric Jackson’s suspension for punching a Buffalo Bills player after a game has been reduced from two games to one, an NFL spokesman said Wednesday.
    — Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • For Lee, the true measure of a man is how many other men, and women, want to punch his lights out.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of punch
Verb
  • It was recast by two local foundry workers, John Pass and John Stow, not once but twice, because the first recast produced a sound that one bystander likened to coal scuttles banging together.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 2026
  • And then — more oysters, higher this time, cruel, pleasant things cutting at my hips, banging my thighs.
    — Gerald R. Hunter, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of bang
Verb
  • One white woman demanded to talk to the manager about how the $1,200 applause machine wouldn’t clap for her.
    — Molly the Bird, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2026
  • About 75 people packed the room at Morning Star Community Center, often clapping and cheering in support of the criticism.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 9 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
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Cite this Entry

“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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