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 To reheat leftover tofu, pan fry it over medium to medium-high heat in your favorite cast iron, toss it in an air fryer, or zap it in the microwave. — Ali Francis, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 July 2026 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 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
  • Dramatic footage shows a torrent of water hitting at the Nepal-China border.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Parton earned dozens of top 10 country hits, and her professional ambitions grew along with her career.
    — Jewly Hight, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of hit
Verb
  • But their rookie linebacker extended his arms, threw out a hand and knocked the ball free from London’s grasp.
    — Daniel Flick, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 2026
  • When the group decided to move the party to a house nearby, Pysher walked there alone and mistakenly knocked on the wrong door.
    — Tom Hanson, CBS News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of knock
Verb
  • The directorial debut of cinematographer Mi Steinbach, Strange Neighbors was shot over three years on Schwarztonnensand, an island and nature preserve on the German Elbe river, smack in the middle of one of Europe’s busiest waterways.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In last fall’s season-opener, the Irish smacked Chicago Christian 47-6.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of smack
Verb
  • While outlining the details of Clancy's suicide attempt, Reddington slapped a quarter on the table and addressed the prosecutors in what appeared to be a direct challenge to the state.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Already, Skubal’s joining in on pregame handshake lines and slapping the dugout railing in time to Roki Sasaki’s warm-up music.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of slap
Verb
  • James showed excellent vision and punch, and paired with Kaelon Black and Christian McCaffrey, the Niners should have three worthwhile, trustworthy backs this season.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Ross doesn’t tend towards punch-the-air climaxes—just warm, excitable builds.
    — Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of punch
Verb
  • Support for Infantino Eto’o is not the only person banging the drum for Infantino in what’s become an increasingly fractured landscape.
    — Amanda Davies, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
  • On Sunday, residents of Jaimanitas, a neighborhood in the capital, took to the streets banging pots and pans to protest after 25 hours without electricity.
    — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of bang
Verb
  • When the visitors' lineup and Skubal were shown on the videoboard and his name was announced before the first pitch, most of the crowd at Comerica Park clapped for the two-time Cy Young Award winner while some jeered him.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Pocic immediately started clapping, and Ravens offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford rushed over to celebrate with him.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of clap
Verb
  • There are frightening stories of swordfish charging boats, and even spearing their transoms and whacking propellers.
    — Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Miami Dolphins rookie had shed his block and began pursuing Jameis Winston, reaching the New York Giants’ backup quarterback in time to whack him good with a legal hit.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of whack

Browse Nearby Words

zany
zap
zapped
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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