zap

verb

Definition of zapnext
as in to hit
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner zapped the annoying bug with a swatter

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 zap The clicking was from our electric fence, which was always zapping some errant grass, a misbehaving sheep, or a horny bull. — Chris Lee, ArsTechnica, 22 July 2026 The top spray instantly zaps away high temperatures, while forced convection in the lower puddle continuously draws away residual heat. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026 Last year, WeightWatchers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as GLP-1 drugs zapped demand for traditional weight loss programs. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 28 June 2026 No one seems happy to still be zapping themselves with electrodes. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for zap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zap
  1. hit
  2. knock
  3. smack
  4. slap
  5. punch
  6. bang
  7. clap
  8. whack
Verb
  • Moehrig responded with 103 tackles — one off his 2024 total — while establishing career highs with 14 tackles for loss, three sacks and seven quarterback hits.
    — Joseph Person, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The height of hurricane season looms, and Gulf Coast refineries have in the past been derailed by major hurricanes hitting the Gulf Coast.
    — Matt Egan, CNN Money, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • Brands such as Fendi, Pandora, Lush, and Glossier soon came knocking.
    — Kati Chitrakorn, Vogue, 21 Aug. 2026
  • His co-worker, Donna DuBray, was part of the group and saw Carbullido fall off, briefly knocking him out.
    — Michele Gile, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of knock
Verb
  • Other gamblers just don’t want to get swindled, so anything that smacks too clearly of insider trading can get you in trouble.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Nevertheless, the upper stage smacked into Earth’s only natural satellite at seven times the speed of sound on August 5.
    — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of smack
Verb
  • European energy prices rose drastically in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, as Western governments slapped Moscow with sanctions and looked for alternative sources of oil and gas.
    — Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2026
  • After making the grab, Allen celebrated briefly, then slapped hands with Delane.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of slap
Verb
  • The student also punched the guard in the head, according to the statement.
    — Kathy McCormack, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The 49ers’ defensive highlight came when Warner, of course, punched a ball free from tight end David Njoku.
    — Cam Inman, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of punch
Verb
  • These were people who would insist that their American passenger ride in the cab of a trade truck rather than stand in the open back with 20 passengers banging into each other and a couple of goats for hours.
    — Ethan Gologor, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • In the building across the street, an old woman came out onto her balcony in a nightgown, a toddler in tow, and began banging a pot.
    — Daniel Castro, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of bang
Verb
  • Syrians gathered around the court in Damascus, chanting, clapping and waving the Syrian flag as news of the sentences spread.
    — Kinda Makieh, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The teams were the townspeople, clapping for a wardrobe nobody could actually see.
    — Jeremy Macliver, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of clap
Verb
  • As the movie shows, local foodies would swarm the ocean whenever striped bass appeared, reeling them in with pieces of Wonder Bread and then whacking them on the head.
    — Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Poor guy is probably just trying to watch the home run derby in peace and just got drive by whacked by me.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 July 2026
Definition of whack

Browse Nearby Words

zany
zap
zapped
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Cite this Entry

“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of zap for Spanish Speakers

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