1
as in banging
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
a childhood memory of the time he got his knuckles rapped for trying to steal candy from the corner store
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in drumming
to strike or cause to strike lightly and usually rhythmically
the impatient man was rapping his knuckles on the door, hoping to wake up the sleeping attendant
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in chatting
to engage in casual or rambling conversation
the guys at the gym never seem to tire about rapping about basketball
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in transporting
to fill with overwhelming emotion (as wonder or delight)
concertgoers were utterly rapped by the power of Handel's oratorio
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in grabbing
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
suddenly the hawk swooped down and rapped the unwary rodent
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rapping
Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
His rise was accelerated by a few viral moments increasing his exposure along the way, including selling his $100 white tees packaged like cocaine bricks, rapping in the middle of a shutdown expressway, and having Druski release a skit loosely based on his biracial image.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026
Millions of views accumulated for a kid rapping about the demonic nature of LGBTQ people.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Concert highlights included Cardi B rapping on a carousel of stripper poles and some high fashion.
—Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2026
The world held is collective breath for 36 seconds last Wednesday night when Survivor 50 host Jeff Probst suddenly decided to start rapping.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
He was named National League rookie of the month after rapping out 17 extra-base hits.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026
The video was the first time millions of people saw someone rapping on-screen.
—Fab 5 Freddy, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026
Swayvo started rapping during his junior year at Stockbridge High School.
—Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Verb
Excise Dept blend experimental electronics with South Asian identity, singing and rapping across multiple regional languages — their inclusion speaks to the label’s intention to work with artists based on the subcontinent itself, not only within the diaspora.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 31 Mar. 2026
His rise was accelerated by a few viral moments increasing his exposure along the way, including selling his $100 white tees packaged like cocaine bricks, rapping in the middle of a shutdown expressway, and having Druski release a skit loosely based on his biracial image.
—Michael Saponara, Billboard, 27 Mar. 2026
Millions of views accumulated for a kid rapping about the demonic nature of LGBTQ people.
—Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026
Concert highlights included Cardi B rapping on a carousel of stripper poles and some high fashion.
—Jolene Almendarez, Cincinnati Enquirer, 20 Mar. 2026
The world held is collective breath for 36 seconds last Wednesday night when Survivor 50 host Jeff Probst suddenly decided to start rapping.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
He was named National League rookie of the month after rapping out 17 extra-base hits.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 14 Mar. 2026
The video was the first time millions of people saw someone rapping on-screen.
—Fab 5 Freddy, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026
Swayvo started rapping during his junior year at Stockbridge High School.
—Deasia Paige, AJC.com, 1 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rapping. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
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