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
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Recent Examples of lap
Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Hamlin led 292 of the first 317 laps, but a caution for debris on the racetrack with 89 laps to go came out at the perfect time for Elliott, who was fading rapidly on older tires.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
There was no one to scold me for lapping up the mixture like a cat to milk.
—Via Chronicle Books, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lap
Noun
Competitors in Japan’s office chair race try to complete as many laps as possible in two hours.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Hamlin led 292 of the first 317 laps, but a caution for debris on the racetrack with 89 laps to go came out at the perfect time for Elliott, who was fading rapidly on older tires.
—Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
That much was obvious at this stage of free agency, a frenzied sprint the Patriots often treated as the start of a marathon in the Belichick era before lapping the competition when the games started thanks in part to value signings.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
There was no one to scold me for lapping up the mixture like a cat to milk.
—Via Chronicle Books, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
-
The neighbor was taken to the hospital with serious injuries, which included a broken leg.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
-
And don’t miss your chance to score 65 percent off the sporty Athleta Tempo Mid-rise Wide-leg Track Pants, which feature a comfortable waistband and signature side stripes.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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