lap 1 of 3

noun

Definition of lapnext
as in leg
a portion of a trip we were on the last lap of the journey, eagerly heading for home

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lap

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
as in to wash
to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

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2
as in to splash
to flow in a broken irregular stream the creek lapped along through the ravine before collecting in the pond

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to ripple
to move with a splashing motion a stiff breeze that was causing the lake waters to lap against the hull with some force

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lap

3 of 3

verb (2)

1
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield

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2
as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely this recording of the symphony is sure to lap listeners in stereophonic bliss

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 lap
Noun
Despite the victory lap, combat operations in Iraq and across the Middle East continued through the aughts. — Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026 Often, Shawn would stand in the doorway of his bedroom and watch the stranger eat off a tray balanced on his lap, arranging each mouthful of food on his spoon with great deliberation before bringing it to his mouth. — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
Strong waves were already lapping at the coastline of her city Lázaro Cárdenas in Michoacán. — Megan Janetsky, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026 The Armoury by Ring Jacket Cotton Sport Chinos The Armoury tapped Japan’s Ring Jacket to make its Sport Chinos, which bridge the casual-formal divide with a button fly, lapped side seams, a higher rise and a tapered leg. — Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
  1. leg
  2. wash
  3. splash
  4. ripple
  5. overlap
  6. wrap
  7. bathe
  8. bubble
Noun
  • Mensah scores with his legs Darian Mensah with a 34-yard touchdown run.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026
  • According to a photo from the scene, one appeared to have blood on its hind leg; the other appeared relieved to have its friend back.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of leg
Verb
  • At high tide, the waves wash into his living room, depositing saltwater treasures and unlikely new friends.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026
  • The result is a single zone that can wash, chop, drain and dry without a cook ever moving to a new surface.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of wash
Verb
  • By falsely inflating their earnings, Man City’s ownership could splash loads of cash on the best players in the world.
    — Matt Piper, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • The premium hardware and 500D nylon build offer IPX4 splash protection and rugged longevity without relying on the loud, militaristic styling that makes other tactical packs look out of place in a professional office.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of splash
Verb
  • On Facebook, Lee’s account displayed a picture of the young Chinese man from behind, rippling shoulders framed in a weight lifter’s tank top.
    — Eamon Javers, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026
  • Escarpments were carved into beaches, asphalt rippled on the coastal highway, and tourists like Lester were left trapped.
    — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of ripple
Verb
  • Everyone here almost too respectfully gives one another their turn to speak, the conversation rarely fomenting into argument or overlapping chatter.
    — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2026
  • To Lose Their Citizenship Abraham noted during a Q&A at NYFF that much of the film overlaps with previous reporting and that atrocities in Gaza have been documented for years.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of overlap
Verb
  • Production has wrapped in the New York and New Jersey area, and the film is expected to release in 2027.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Flávio Bolsonaro addressed the press and a small group of supporters, including some wearing green and yellow Brazil jerseys and one woman wrapped in the Israeli flag, outside his Brasilia house.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of wrap
Verb
  • What sets this story apart, Nakajima says, is that Nobita, a human, ends up beneath the waves because he was bathed in the glow of the Adaptation Ray.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 1 Oct. 2026
  • As Jafa’s gang assembles on one end, Prince’s gang stands erect at the other end of the hall, bathed in warm glowing colors.
    — Tina M. Campt, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of bathe
Verb
  • In the face of all that truthiness bubbling up, executives lost the ability to manage expectations internally and with partners.
    — Simon Denny, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
  • This week, in the zany world of SEC football, a bit of controversy bubbled to life.
    — Noah White, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of bubble

Phrases Containing lap

Browse Nearby Words

lanyards
lap
lapdog
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Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on lap

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lap

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