as in bang
a loud explosive sound the soda can opened with a sharp pop
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as in dad
a male human parent ask your pop if he knows where the keys to the shed are
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1
as in to explode
to break open or into pieces usually because of internal pressure a balloon popped suddenly and startled us all
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2
3
as in to smash
to cause to break open or into pieces by or as if by an explosive popping popcorn over a campfire
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4
as in to shoot
to strike with a missile from a gun went into the woods hoping to pop the rabbit that was eating our vegetables
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as in fashionable
enjoying widespread favor or approval interested in the pop fiction that most of the other publishing houses happily churned out
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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 pop
Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 The athleticism popped at the combine, though, and Hill is a versatile fit who can play mike or will and thrive in pass-rush situations. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026 But how did Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad go from low-key Swedish folk performers to one of the most commercially successful bands in the history of pop music? —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pop
Verb
As new developments pop up in the area and out-of-town corporations make homes within those spaces Diminich is determined to shift that focus back to Plaza Midwood’s roots. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2026 The athleticism popped at the combine, though, and Hill is a versatile fit who can play mike or will and thrive in pass-rush situations. —Luca Evans, Denver Post, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
Everyone from pop icon Madonna to global girl group KATSEYE. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 2026 But how did Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, Agnetha Fältskog, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad go from low-key Swedish folk performers to one of the most commercially successful bands in the history of pop music? —Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pop
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pop
Verb
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Either way, these early flowering plants explode with gorgeous color in spring and attract early season bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 22 Apr. 2026
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Dancing with the Stars exploded in popularity last season, raking in its largest audience in years driven by interest from younger viewers.— Katie Campione, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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According to the National Weather Service, three separate tornadoes were confirmed in the state on Tuesday afternoon, one ripping the metal roof off a barn and snapping tree trunks in half.— Joseph Serna, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
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The beats are stiffly period-appropriate, repurposing Shawty Redd snare rolls, bouncy Zaytoven keys, and snap music low end without flourish.— Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Lyrids are known for producing bright, fast-moving meteors that tend to lack persistent trails, but have the potential to spawn spectacular fireballs as larger chunks of Comet Thatcher smash into Earth's atmosphere.— Anthony Wood, Space.com, 9 Apr. 2026
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In footage shared by the BBC on X, Medvedev, who suffered a 6-0 6-0 loss during the 49-minute match, was filmed smashing up his tennis racket six times and angrily tossing it across the court.— Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As Brunson dominated the ball, Towns — who shot six-of-seven from the field in the third quarter alone — took just two shots in the fourth quarter.— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 21 Apr. 2026
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Jasso, who acted alone, shot and killed himself.— Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Featuring bolder, thicker spots at the top and more refined, micro specks down the skirt, this mini dress makes all-day, fashionable wear easier than ever.— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2026
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While personal fans have been a fashionable accessory since before the Victorian era, the category has been stifled by a lack of innovation for a while.— Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The court sided with a soldier who was badly injured when a Taliban operative working at the Bagram Airfield detonated a suicide bomb.— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026
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Authorities determined that an explosive device had been brought aboard the aircraft, likely concealed in a radio, and detonated shortly after takeoff.— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Word of Smith’s death had shattered his family, especially his father, who can’t believe his son is gone.— Rocco Parascandola, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2026
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The incredible true story of Takeru Kobayashi — or how a skinny 22-year-old from Japan shattered world records at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and catapulted the fringe spectacle of competitive eating into a wildly lucrative American sports phenomenon.— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Senior catcher Olivia Picciola promptly drilled a two-run double for Lockport, creating a 6-6 tie in a game that featured four ties and four lead changes.— Patrick Z. McGavin, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
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Both players were running on the 1-and-2 pitch to José Caballero, who drilled a line drive into left center.— Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 16 Apr. 2026
Video
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Some imitative words are more surprising than others
Cite this Entry
“Pop.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/pop. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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