1
2
as in splashes
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
1
as in overlaps
to lie over parts of one another
the armadillo's plates lap tightly so as to form a protective shield
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in wraps
to surround or cover closely
this recording of the symphony is sure to lap listeners in stereophonic bliss
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of laps
Joel Feder, The Drive, 2 Apr. 2026
The grid will be set by the drivers’ second-fastest qualifying times during the 30-minute session, which places a stronger emphasis on producing consistent laps.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
There are no victory laps because other employees still don't have a check.
—Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Competitors in Japan’s office chair race try to complete as many laps as possible in two hours.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Hamlin, who has a series-best six wins at Martinsville, started from the pole position and dominated, leading 292 of the first 317 laps.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Around them, a dozen children sunk into their parents’ laps — giggling, wriggling and delighted by the story.
—Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
This could look like slowing your run to a slow jog or walk or taking a break at the side of the pool in between laps.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 26 Mar. 2026
Blub, for his part, likely carried on swimming without a care in the world — unaware that his laps around a small tank had just made international headlines.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Sorry, dudes, the ladies ran laps around you tonight.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026
A couple of us swim laps in an outdoor pool, no matter the weather.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026
Reddick fell two laps down for repairs but came roaring back from 27th for his 10th career victory.
—CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Expect countless laps around the 45-meter saltwater stretch, always heated to a comfortable temperature and lined with more loungers than hotel guests.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
The main beach, where clear water laps golden sand and palm trees, still bears her name.
—Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026
Running laps around luxury Hechter wasn’t imagining a Gen Z takeover of her hometown race.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
Standing up from the couch several times, marching in place during TV breaks or walking laps around your living space can gently raise your heart rate, according to Mount Sinai Health System.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Noun
Initial laps induced jerky handling and lots of body roll.
—Joel Feder, The Drive, 2 Apr. 2026
The grid will be set by the drivers’ second-fastest qualifying times during the 30-minute session, which places a stronger emphasis on producing consistent laps.
—Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2026
There are no victory laps because other employees still don't have a check.
—Marvin Hurst, CBS News, 31 Mar. 2026
Competitors in Japan’s office chair race try to complete as many laps as possible in two hours.
—Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Hamlin, who has a series-best six wins at Martinsville, started from the pole position and dominated, leading 292 of the first 317 laps.
—ABC News, 29 Mar. 2026
Around them, a dozen children sunk into their parents’ laps — giggling, wriggling and delighted by the story.
—Jessica Ma, Dallas Morning News, 27 Mar. 2026
This could look like slowing your run to a slow jog or walk or taking a break at the side of the pool in between laps.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 26 Mar. 2026
Blub, for his part, likely carried on swimming without a care in the world — unaware that his laps around a small tank had just made international headlines.
—Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
The sparkling Colorado River now laps at the Glen Canyon walls about 180 feet below, completely invisible from a dock that once floated atop the water.
—Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 15 Mar. 2026
Sorry, dudes, the ladies ran laps around you tonight.
—José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 2 Mar. 2026
A couple of us swim laps in an outdoor pool, no matter the weather.
—Lisa Jhung, Outside, 24 Feb. 2026
Reddick fell two laps down for repairs but came roaring back from 27th for his 10th career victory.
—CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Expect countless laps around the 45-meter saltwater stretch, always heated to a comfortable temperature and lined with more loungers than hotel guests.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026
The main beach, where clear water laps golden sand and palm trees, still bears her name.
—Elena Clavarino, Air Mail, 14 Feb. 2026
Running laps around luxury Hechter wasn’t imagining a Gen Z takeover of her hometown race.
—Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 6 Feb. 2026
Standing up from the couch several times, marching in place during TV breaks or walking laps around your living space can gently raise your heart rate, according to Mount Sinai Health System.
—Avery Newmark, AJC.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for laps
legs
Noun
-
Hilda Lorena Cifuentes Cifuentes family photo Cifuentes suffered extensive injuries to her face, arms, legs and abdomen, along with head trauma.—
Tori Mason,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
-
The two thin, flat legs attach to the bottom of the TV near the edges.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Laps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/laps. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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