OpenSynonym

naps

/næps/

NOUN

1. Short periods of sleep

Brief periods of sleep, especially those taken during the daytime to rest or regain energy.

1.1. Brief daytime sleep

Short periods of sleep taken during the day, usually to relieve tiredness or refresh oneself.

Synonyms

  • catnaps
  • snoozes
  • dozes
  • siestas
  • forty winks
  • microsleeps
  • shut-eyes

Antonyms

Examples

  • The baby takes short naps throughout the afternoon.
  • Afternoon naps help some people recover their energy.
  • The cats enjoy peaceful naps in the warm sunlight.

Related Words

  • rest
  • slumber
  • drowsing
  • sleep
  • repose
  • power naps

NOUN

2. Soft or fuzzy surfaces on fabric or leather

Soft, raised layers of short fibers or hairs covering the surfaces of fabrics or leather.

2.1. Raised fibers or fuzzy texture

Soft, fuzzy layers of fibers or hairs that give fabric or leather a particular texture.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • smoothness
  • flatness

Examples

  • The velvet fabrics have soft naps that give them a luxurious appearance.
  • The different naps of the materials create contrasting textures.
  • The leather products develop distinctive naps after brushing.

Related Words

  • texture
  • velvet
  • plush
  • fleece
  • fabric finish

2.2. Direction of fabric fibers

The directions in which raised fibers or hairs lie on certain fabrics, affecting their appearance and texture.

Synonyms

  • pile directions
  • fiber directions
  • grain directions

Examples

  • The tailor checked the naps of the velvet fabrics before cutting them.
  • The garments appeared darker when viewed against the naps.

Related Words

NOUN

3. Recommended horse-racing bets

Selections in British horse racing regarded by experts or tipsters as their strongest betting recommendations.

3.1. Expert horse-racing selections

Horses identified by racing experts as their preferred choices or strongest tips for a particular race.

Synonyms

  • tips
  • selections
  • best bets
  • picks

Examples

  • The newspaper published its naps for the afternoon horse-racing events.
  • Several of the expert's naps won their respective races.
  • Punters studied the racing tips before choosing their bets.

Related Words

NOUN

4. Cups or bowls

Regional or dialectal terms, particularly in Northern England and Scotland, referring to cups or bowls.

4.1. Drinking or serving vessels

Regional names for small containers or vessels used for holding liquids or food.

Synonyms

  • cups
  • bowls

Examples

  • The old dialect included several unusual names for cups and bowls.
  • The traditional household kept its drinking vessels arranged on shelves.

Related Words

NOUN

5. Kinky or curly hair

Hair characterized by tight curls, coils, or naturally kinky textures.

5.1. Naturally curly or coiled hair

Hair with tightly curled, coiled, or kinky strands and textures.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • straight hair

Examples

  • The natural texture of her hair formed tight curls and coils.
  • The stylist carefully treated the different hair textures.

Related Words

  • ringlets
  • curly hair
  • textured hair
  • afro-textured hair

VERB

6. To sleep for short periods

Sleeps briefly, especially during the daytime, to rest or regain energy.

6.1. Taking brief periods of sleep

Sleeping for short periods, usually during the day, to recover from tiredness or refresh oneself.

Synonyms

  • dozes
  • snoozes
  • catnaps
  • slumbers
  • kips
  • drowses
  • nods off
  • drops off
  • reposes

Antonyms

Examples

  • The baby naps several times throughout the day.
  • She naps on the sofa after finishing her afternoon chores.
  • The elderly dog naps peacefully beside the fireplace.

Related Words

  • rests
  • hibernates
  • sleeps
  • dreams
  • takes a siesta

VERB

7. To be off one's guard

Fails to remain alert or vigilant, leaving oneself vulnerable to unexpected events or actions.

7.1. Being inattentive or caught off guard

Fails to maintain awareness or vigilance and consequently becomes unprepared for something unexpected.

Synonyms

  • lets one's guard down
  • is caught off guard
  • is taken by surprise
  • is inattentive

Antonyms

  • remains alert
  • stays vigilant
  • stays watchful

Examples

  • The opposing team catches the defense napping during the final minutes.
  • The security staff naps while the intruders approach the building.

Related Words

  • overlooks
  • neglects
  • is unaware
  • is unsuspecting

VERB

8. To raise a soft or fuzzy surface on fabric or leather

Raises or forms a layer of short, soft fibers on the surface of fabric or leather.

8.1. Creating a fuzzy textile surface

Treats fabric or leather by raising, brushing, or teasing its fibers to create a soft, fuzzy texture.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • smooths
  • flattens

Examples

  • The manufacturer naps the fabrics to give them a softer finish.
  • The textile factory naps wool materials before producing winter garments.

Related Words

  • piles
  • fuzzes
  • textures
  • finishes

VERB

9. To grab or seize something

Grabs, takes, or seizes something quickly or suddenly.

9.1. Grabbing or taking something quickly

Takes hold of something suddenly, often quickly or without hesitation.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples

  • The thief naps unattended belongings before anyone notices.
  • He naps the last available seat as soon as the door opens.

Related Words

VERB

10. To cover food with sauce

Covers food with a layer of sauce, usually as part of its preparation or presentation.

10.1. Coating food with sauce

Applies a layer of sauce over food to add flavor or improve its presentation.

Synonyms

  • coats
  • covers
  • dresses
  • smothers

Examples

  • The chef naps the fish with a delicate cream sauce.
  • The roasted vegetables are napped with a rich herb sauce.

Related Words