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
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Recent Examples of zap
Colds and flu Upper respiratory infections can zap your appetite, especially if your sense of taste or smell is off.
—
Sarah Klein, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Now, some members worry the string of news will zap him of any remaining goodwill in the conference.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
At this point, there is usually an electrical current that zaps them, electrocuting them and killing them instantly.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
The results of this recent experiment are strikingly similar (pun intended) to a 1952 experiment by University of Chicago chemists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey, who zapped a bottle of water vapor, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen gas with an electrical spark and got amino acids.
—Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zap
Sarah Klein, Time, 29 Apr. 2025
Now, some members worry the string of news will zap him of any remaining goodwill in the conference.
—Al Weaver, The Hill, 21 Apr. 2025
At this point, there is usually an electrical current that zaps them, electrocuting them and killing them instantly.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 18 Apr. 2025
The results of this recent experiment are strikingly similar (pun intended) to a 1952 experiment by University of Chicago chemists Stanley Miller and Harold Urey, who zapped a bottle of water vapor, methane, ammonia, and hydrogen gas with an electrical spark and got amino acids.
—Kiona N. Smith, Space.com, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for zap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for zap
Verb
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The Reds are hitting .267/.348/.406 with a lead, .237/.311/.405 when tied and .223/.295/.369 when behind.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
26 May 2025
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That's because the bill also includes a $4 trillion increase in the debt ceiling, a measure that must be approved in order to prevent a catastrophic default on the country's debt that could hit sometime in August.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
Verb
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Even 6 inches of swiftly moving water can forcefully knock you off your feet.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
26 May 2025
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The pharmacologist and her sister, 28-year-old Lisa Smith, were knocked backward by the fish, which doctors believe to be a reef shark.—
Abigail Adams,
People.com,
26 May 2025
Verb
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The two smacked into each other last Thursday trying to catch a Cedric Mullins fly ball, leaving both with concussions.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2025
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Indiana’s first unit smacked opponents by 12.2 points per 100 possessions during the regular season, according to Cleaning the Glass.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Five months after passing an ordinance to ban smoking in parks, the city of Fort Lauderdale finally slapped stickers on existing signs about this prohibition that do not get people’s attention.—
John Michael Pierobon,
Sun Sentinel,
25 May 2025
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Over the course of two days, groups got the chance to see 21 humpback whales feed and raise their pectoral fin before slapping it against the water, along with 15 Risso’s dolphins, the group said.—
Paloma Chavez,
Sacbee.com,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Things escalated between the pair and the woman punched the man in the shoulder with a closed fist, the spokesperson said.—
Chris Spargo,
People.com,
23 May 2025
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According to authorities, Ward told them the fight and stabbing were self-defense, claiming the mother attacked and punched her several times in the face.—
Devoun Cetoute,
Miami Herald,
23 May 2025
Verb
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His go-to move was banging pots and pans while walking through the house singing circus music and calling everyone else in the house a meatball.—
Dalton Ross,
EW.com,
20 May 2025
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The most eventful, and scary, moment came midway through the half, when Chucky Lozano banged heads with Sporting KC midfield Manu Garcia chasing a high clearance from the box.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 May 2025
Verb
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The guests move and groove down a backstage hallway surrounded by staff, who sing a custom chant while clapping along.—
Raven Brunner,
People.com,
19 May 2025
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After the second Panthers goal, head coach Craig Berube moved up and down his bench clapping his hands enthusiastically.—
Joshua Kloke,
New York Times,
19 May 2025
Verb
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Shohei Ohtani retook sole possession of the major league lead in long balls by whacking his 17th of the season.—
Jack Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
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Last year, Reese committed a flagrant foul on Clark by whacking her on the head as Clark went up for a layup.—
James Boyd,
New York Times,
18 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Zap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/zap. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.
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