lap 1 of 3

Definition of lapnext
as in leg
a portion of a trip we were on the last lap of the journey, eagerly heading for home

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

lap

2 of 3

verb (1)

1
as in to wash
to flow along or against the waves gently lapped the sandy shore

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in to splash
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

3
as in to ripple
to move with a splashing motion a stiff breeze that was causing the lake waters to lap against the hull with some force

Synonyms & Similar Words

lap

3 of 3

verb (2)

1
as in to overlap
to lie over parts of one another the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield

Synonyms & Similar Words

2

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 lap
Noun
Three days after distance runner Sabastian Sawe became the first man to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, his outfitter, Adidas, was still taking a victory lap. Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 29 Apr. 2026 When visiting your vet, carry your puppy and keep it on your lap to avoid possible contact with the virus on the floor. Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Verb
Snyder is lapping Brown to start the playoffs. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026 In doing so, the Mustang GTD has become the second fastest American car to lap the Nürburgring, behind only its sibling, the 800-hp GT Mk IV, which set the record earlier this month. New Atlas, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for lap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lap
leg
Noun
  • An intense, carnal need takes over mid-bite into a Loli Farms chicken leg.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026
  • These breezy, high-rise pants from Reformation are made from lightweight linen with a relaxed, slightly wide leg that looks good on pretty much anyone.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 30 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lap. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on lap

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster