as in overlap
a partial covering of one thing by an adjoining member
the lapping of the roofing shingles should be several inches in order to avoid leaks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
2
as in splashing
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 overlapping
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 wrapping
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 lapping
Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
The Lynx have firmly established themselves as the team to beat in the WNBA this season, and are lapping the rest of the field in terms of the standings, largely thanks to the MVP-level play of Napheesa Collier.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Encased by rugged limestone cliffs draped in fragrant Aleppo pines, the secluded cove whispers seclusion—its crystal waters lapping gently like a lullaby.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Where Robertson is getting involved has also changed, with more possession in the half-space channels due to Slot’s preference for his full-backs to make under-lapping runs rather than staying out on the touchline.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjacent neighborhoods in that area, as well as those west of the Turnpike and south of Plantation, could have sea water lapping into backyards on normal high tides.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
General manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson were lapping it all up, too, drawn to Jarrett’s contagious positive energy.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Merchandise margin decreased 150 basis points versus last year, primarily driven by lapping the benefit of incremental sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 relating to the company’s revenue-sharing agreement with its credit card partners.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
Wake up with the distinct call of the Asian koel and walk the silica shores as hermit crabs scuttle by and baby blacktip reef sharks play in the lapping waves.
—Katie Lockhart, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
The Lynx have firmly established themselves as the team to beat in the WNBA this season, and are lapping the rest of the field in terms of the standings, largely thanks to the MVP-level play of Napheesa Collier.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Aug. 2025
Encased by rugged limestone cliffs draped in fragrant Aleppo pines, the secluded cove whispers seclusion—its crystal waters lapping gently like a lullaby.
—Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
Where Robertson is getting involved has also changed, with more possession in the half-space channels due to Slot’s preference for his full-backs to make under-lapping runs rather than staying out on the touchline.
—James Pearce, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
Adjacent neighborhoods in that area, as well as those west of the Turnpike and south of Plantation, could have sea water lapping into backyards on normal high tides.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2025
General manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson were lapping it all up, too, drawn to Jarrett’s contagious positive energy.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2025
Merchandise margin decreased 150 basis points versus last year, primarily driven by lapping the benefit of incremental sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2024 relating to the company’s revenue-sharing agreement with its credit card partners.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapping
overlap
Noun
-
Now the departments are housed under one roof and grouped by areas of overlap instead of major.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Frontier has the most seat overlap with Spirit at 39%, while United has 18%, according to TD Cowen analyst Tom Fitzgerald.—
Leslie Josephs,
CNBC,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Lapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapping. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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