nap 1 of 3

Definition of napnext
as in wink
a short sleep so tired that she needed to take a refreshing nap before soccer practice

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nap

2 of 3

noun (2)

as in fur
a soft airy substance or covering high-quality suede has a good, even nap

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nap

3 of 3

verb

1
as in to relax
to sleep lightly or briefly decided to let the kids nap for a few more minutes before waking them

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2
as in to sleep
to be in a state of sleep I'm just going to nap the entire afternoon

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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 nap
Noun
Hang it in a shady corner to create the perfect spot for a nap. Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 21 Apr. 2026 While occasional naps have been shown to be refreshing, frequent or prolonged daytime napping in this group has been associated with a variety of health concerns. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
As the story goes, Helou and neighbor Ryan Burke — a tech veteran and fellow dad — dreamed up the concept during playdates, sketching the framework while their kids napped. Sandra Barrera, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026 The eye mask helps block out any extra light in my room when napping during the day. Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for nap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nap
Verb
  • Teachers were encouraged to act as therapists and relax rigor, ease grading, and lessen homework.
    Steven F. Wilson, The Atlantic, 24 Apr. 2026
  • But the only policy lever available to the state, and one whose impact won’t be felt until late May, is to temporarily relax the Low Carbon Fuel Standard to allow a broader range of gasoline to be used.
    James Rector, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Why is this guy leaned over sleeping?
    Benjamin Svetkey, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Bernstein slept on it and the next morning told him no way.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Somebody who is just living greatness and never rests on that laurel, but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.
    Lexi Lane, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The whole security architecture rests on those layers.
    Shane Harris, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • If the temperature, humidity or acidity is not favorable, these bacteria can also slumber for decades in a spore form – underfoot and forgotten by nearly all except cattle.
    Hannah Kinzer, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Others showed baby Spero clasping his tiny hand around Graham's finger and slumbering with a smile on his face.
    Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The same goes for snoozing your alarm.
    Kate Donovan, Martha Stewart, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Maybe that’s why all Dodgers’ batters seem to be hitting is the snooze button — snoozing and, on Wednesday, losing 4-1 to the Cleveland Guardians.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On some of my visits, Marsha dozes most of the time.
    Marc Silver, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026
  • A little walk to Ayu Bakehouse, especially in the early morning while most of the neighborhood is still dozing, is a great start to the day.
    Kate Kassin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nap. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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