tap
18 synonyms and 1 antonyms for tap, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A fitting on a pipe or container that controls the flow of a liquid or gas.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use tap
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English tæppa, referring to a stopper or plug used to control liquid flowing from a container — the same root that gives us "tapster", someone who draws drinks from a barrel.
Full origin of tap →Frequently asked questions
What does “tap” mean?
The word “tap” means a fitting on a pipe or container that controls the flow of a liquid or gas. In plain terms, a valve for water or drink, a light touch or hit, or to secretly monitor a phone line, among several other senses.
How do you pronounce “tap”?
“Tap” is pronounced tap (/tæp/ in IPA).
How do you use “tap” in a sentence?
Here is “tap” used in a sentence: “She turned on the kitchen tap to fill the kettle.”
What is another word for “tap”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tap” include clap, knock, pat, ping, plip and plonk.
What is the opposite of “tap”?
The opposite of “tap” — its antonyms — is humming.
What part of speech is “tap”?
Depending on how it is used, “tap” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “tap” come from?
The word “tap” comes from Old English. From Old English tæppa, referring to a stopper or plug used to control liquid flowing from a container — the same root that gives us "tapster", someone who draws drinks from a barrel.
Is “tap” a common word?
“Tap” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between a tap and a faucet?
A tap and a faucet are the same fitting that controls the flow of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container. 'Tap' is the standard term in British English, while 'faucet' is more common in American English, where 'tap' still appears in phrases like 'tap water'.
What is the difference between 'tap' and 'knock'?
Both mean to hit something lightly, but a tap is gentler and quicker, often just to get attention or make brief contact. A knock is firmer and louder, typically used for striking a door so someone hears it.
What are common collocations with the verb 'tap'?
The verb 'tap' frequently pairs with words like 'tap someone on the shoulder,' 'tap your foot,' 'tap the screen,' and 'tap lightly.' These phrases all describe a light, brief contact meant to get attention or make a connection.
Is 'tap' formal or informal?
'Tap' is a neutral, everyday word suitable for both formal and informal writing in both its noun and verb senses. It carries no slang connotation on its own, though it appears in casual expressions like 'on tap.'