snap

To break suddenly, often with a sharp sound, or make something break this way.

• The rope snapped.
• She snapped the biscuit in half.
• A branch had snapped under the weight of the snow.

How to use it: snap something in half (She snapped the pencil in half.); snap something off (He snapped a small branch off the tree.)

Similar words: break, fracture

Common phrases: snap in half, snap a stick, snap something off

To make a short, sharp cracking sound.

• He snapped his fingers.
• Dry wood snapped in the fire.
• The flag snapped sharply in the strong wind.

Similar words: crack, crackle

Common phrases: snap your fingers, snap in the wind, snap and crackle

To make a quick biting movement towards someone or something.

• The dog snapped at me.
• A fish snapped at the bait.
• The frightened animal was snapping at anyone who came near.

How to use it: snap at someone/something (The dog snapped at my hand.)

Similar words: bite at

Common phrases: snap at someone, snap at bait, snap its jaws

A short, sharp sound, like the sound of a thin stick breaking.

• I heard a loud snap.
• The stick broke with a sharp snap.
• A snap of her fingers brought the dog running.

Similar words: crack

Common phrases: a loud snap, a sharp snap, snap of something

A photograph, especially one taken quickly without much preparation.

• Show me your holiday snaps.
• He took a quick snap of the castle.
• This snap reminds me of our first trip together.

How to use it: snap of someone/something (I took a snap of the kids by the lake.)

Similar words: photo, picture, snapshot

Common phrases: holiday snap, take a snap, snap of someone

Done quickly and suddenly, with little time to think or prepare.

• Don't make a snap decision.
• The government called a snap election.
• Her snap judgment turned out to be wrong.

Similar words: hasty, sudden, impromptu

Opposites: deliberate, planned

Common phrases: snap decision, snap judgment, snap election, snap inspection

You say this when you notice that you and another person have or do the same thing.

• Snap! We have the same shoes.
• You chose the green one? Snap!
• Snap! My birthday is in June too.

Similar words: me too, same here

Common phrases: snap, me too, snap, same here

You say this to show surprise, often about something bad or an embarrassing remark.

• Oh, snap! I missed the bus.
• Snap! That was a harsh reply.
• You deleted the whole folder? Oh, snap!

Similar words: wow

Common phrases: oh snap, snap, that's bad