tap 1 of 3

Definition of tapnext

tap

2 of 3

verb (2)

tap

3 of 3

noun

as in valve
a fixture for controlling the flow of a liquid turn the tap to the right for cold water and to the left for hot water

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 tap
Verb
Reed Birney was tapped for the Silo season 3 cast, although details about his role have yet to be revealed. Katie Mannion, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026 Plus, all of the songs put you in a nearly hypnotic trance that forces you to count in your head or tap your foot along to the beats. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 2 July 2026 There’s a difference between holding a handful of money and paying for a good than pulling your phone out and tapping. Emily Tarinelli, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 Consulting and analytics firm Trinity Life Sciences tapped Colin Boatwright as its first chief information officer. Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tap
Verb
  • At the track’s apex Korten explodes in and out of dissonant broken chords against Mark Shim’s angular saxophone lines, an unexpected development that sneaks up on you thanks to Sorey’s sticky, slowly evolving drumming.
    Rae-Aila Crumble, Pitchfork, 25 June 2026
  • The San Jose Police Emerald Society Pipe and Drum band will be piping and drumming at Willow Glen Town Square on Lincoln Avenue, and a pop-up choir will be roaming VTA light-rail trains and stations throughout the day.
    Sal Pizarro, Mercury News, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Several environmental groups have also proposed removing or entirely bypassing the Glen Canyon Dam, draining what's left into Lake Mead, and implementing stricter water conservation measures.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • The president said that his administration would have to drain the pool and start over again as the new liner shed chunks of itself.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • This forces the lower esophageal sphincter, the valve between the esophagus and the stomach, to open and close rapidly in succession.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • The utility said around noon that crews are in the process of locating valves to get water pumping again, but repairs might take 12-16 hours.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • Gently bang pan on counter 2–3 times to eliminate any large air bubbles.
    Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026
  • Haaland and his teammates sat on the wet pitch as Ødegaard banged the drum.
    Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
Verb
  • The Willy Chavarria show was air-conditioned, pumped with Xinú perfume and felt expensive.
    Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • Brake gently as needed - Brake normally if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes and pump brakes gently if in an older vehicle.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tap. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on tap

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