1
2
as in to splash
to flow in a broken irregular stream
the creek lapped along through the ravine before collecting in the pond
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely
this recording of the symphony is sure to lap listeners in stereophonic bliss
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Riley Gaines will be in Austin to deliver the prayer before drivers go 95 laps around the road track.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025
Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
His choice not to condemn that invasion and have his country serve as Putin’s lifeline – lapping up Russian oil and supplying Moscow with key goods – lost Beijing the trust of Europe and galvanized American allies in Asia to work more closely with NATO.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lap
Noun
After starting on the pole and dominating the early laps, a pit-road penalty on Lap 17 dropped him to the rear of the field.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 2 Mar. 2025
Riley Gaines will be in Austin to deliver the prayer before drivers go 95 laps around the road track.
—Ryan Morik, Fox News, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
Brush fire also lapped at the trees of the iconic Getty Villa, which houses a collection of priceless antiquities, but a museum official has since confirmed that the buildings remain safe.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 8 Jan. 2025
His choice not to condemn that invasion and have his country serve as Putin’s lifeline – lapping up Russian oil and supplying Moscow with key goods – lost Beijing the trust of Europe and galvanized American allies in Asia to work more closely with NATO.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 19 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for lap
Cite this Entry
“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share