as in overlap
a partial covering of one thing by an adjoining member
the lapping of the roofing shingles should be several inches in order to avoid leaks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
2
as in splashing
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 overlapping
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 wrapping
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 lapping
Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
When the lapping reaches your knees, start to worry.
—Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 22 Dec. 2025
The lapping of the sea at our language is not a difficult concept to fathom.
—Adrian Vore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Sep. 2025
Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
Now, over the past two years, K-beauty products have been lapping the globe again.
—Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Jan. 2026
The Rams have forced touchbacks on 57 percent of kickoffs this season, lapping the field (New Orleans is next at 34 percent).
—Mike Sando, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026
The whole package is the fastest production SUV on the Nürburgring, lapping the circuit in 7 minutes and 36 seconds.
—Sean Evans, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2025
Warner Bros’ Sinner flat-out dominated with a record 21 nominations for the 2026 Black Reel Awards, nearly lapping the field.
—Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
The boat bobbed idly, water lapping against it.
—Kelso Harper, Scientific American, 16 Dec. 2025
The mile-long walk to the South Beach Park Pavilion was dominated by the gentle swishing of lapping waves and the occasional 'good morning' to a fellow early riser, all set against a palette of hazy pinks, oranges, and yellows gradually unfolding above the horizon.
—Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 5 Dec. 2025
Rice was lapping the entire league.
—Sam McDowell 17, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
As Amanyara’s resident wellness expert guided me through a sound healing session and harmonized the vibrations of a Tibetan singing bowl, the lapping of the ocean waves seemed to still.
—Verb
Running Shoes From lacing up to lapping the track, these running shoes feel good on your feet.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for lapping
overlap
Noun
-
There’s still some overlap in the schedule with these teams.—
-
The overlap between selling and collecting for a brand’s archive can, at times, muddy the waters.—
Cite this Entry
“Lapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lapping. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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