Plop vs. Splash — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
"Plop" describes a soft, muffled sound made by a small object hitting liquid, while "splash" refers to a louder, more dispersed sound from an object striking water.
Difference Between Plop and Splash
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plop is typically used to describe the sound made when a small, often compact object falls into a liquid, making a soft and somewhat muted sound. In contrast, splash is associated with a larger, more energetic disturbance in a liquid, often caused by an object that displaces a significant amount of water, resulting in a louder and more spread out sound.
When describing the size of the object involved, "plop" implies a smaller scale, such as a stone thrown into a pond. Whereas "splash" suggests something larger or a more forceful action, such as someone jumping into a pool.
The volume and intensity of the sound are also distinguishing features; a plop is quieter and less disruptive, ideal for describing gentle interactions with water. On the other hand, a splash is distinctly noisier and can denote a range of actions from playful water games to the forceful impact of a diver.
In terms of visual imagery, a plop might produce minimal ripples or disturbance on the water's surface. Conversely, a splash typically creates a noticeable spray of water, which can be visually dramatic and is often used to emphasize the impact in visual media.
The choice between using "plop" or "splash" can also reflect the intended tone or mood in writing or storytelling. "Plop" might be used in a serene, quiet scene, while "splash" could be more suitable in dynamic, vigorous scenarios.
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Comparison Chart
Sound Quality
Soft, muted
Loud, dispersed
Object Size
Small, compact
Larger, substantial
Sound Volume
Quiet
Noisy
Visual Impact
Minimal ripples, gentle
Noticeable spray, dramatic
Usage in Writing
Serene, gentle contexts
Energetic, forceful contexts
Compare with Definitions
Plop
A sound effect describing a small object gently falling into liquid.
The cherry tomato made a soft plop as it hit the soup.
Splash
A sound made by something striking water, causing water to scatter.
He jumped into the pool with a loud splash.
Plop
Used to denote a subtle, minimal disturbance.
With a plop, the pebble sank into the quiet lake.
Splash
Associated with noise, activity, and disruption.
The children's splash fight filled the backyard with laughter and shouts.
Plop
Often associated with gentle actions or small-scale events.
The little frog disappeared with a plop into the marsh.
Splash
Often used to describe dramatic or visually striking actions.
The diver's splash was minimal, perfecting his competition entry.
Plop
Conveys a sense of quietness and isolation.
Each raindrop fell with a distinct plop against the still pond.
Splash
Indicates a larger scale or forceful action.
The rock thrown with force made a big splash in the creek.
Plop
Implies a discreet, almost secretive action.
He dropped the letter in the river; it disappeared with a mere plop.
Splash
Conveys a sense of openness and exposure.
The boat sped through the lake, its wake a continuous splash against calm waters.
Plop
To fall with a sound like that of an object falling into water without splashing.
Splash
To propel or scatter (a fluid) about in flying masses.
Plop
To let the body drop heavily
Exhausted, I plopped into the armchair.
Splash
To scatter fluid onto (a surface) in flying masses; wet, stain, or soil with flying fluid.
Plop
To drop or set heavily
Plopped the child into the stroller.
Splash
To cause (something) to scatter fluid in flying masses
Splashed their hands in the water.
Plop
A plopping sound or movement.
Splash
To make (one's way) with or by the scattering of fluid.
Plop
(countable) A sound or action like liquid hitting a hard surface, or an object falling into a body of water.
He heard the plops of rain on the roof.
Splash
To apply patches or spots of a contrasting, usually bright, color to
A floral pattern that was splashed with pink.
Moonlight splashing the deserted courtyard.
Plop
Excrement.
Splash
To display or publicize very noticeably
Their engagement was splashed all over the tabloids.
Plop
To make the sound of an object dropping into a body of liquid.
Splash
To cause a fluid to scatter in flying masses
Splashed about in the swimming pool.
Plop
(ambitransitive) To land heavily or loosely.
He plopped down on the sofa to watch TV.
Splash
To fall into or move through fluid with this effect
We splashed through the waves.
Plop
(British) To defecate.
Splash
To move, spill, or fly about in scattered masses
Whipped cream splashed onto the counter.
Plop
Indicating the sound of something plopping.
Splash
To produce a sound or sight associated with this effect.
Plop
To fall, drop, or move in any way, with a sudden splash or slap, as on the surface of water.
The body plopped up, turning on its side.
Splash
The act or sound of splashing
Went for a splash in the lake.
Heard the splash of the fish being thrown back.
Plop
Act of plopping; the sound made in plopping.
Splash
A flying mass of fluid.
Plop
The noise of a rounded object dropping into a liquid without a splash
Splash
A small amount, especially of a fluid
A splash of liqueur on the cake.
Plop
Drop something with a plopping sound
Splash
A marking produced by or as if by scattered fluid
A splash of light.
Plop
Drop with the sound of something falling into water
Splash
A great though often short-lived impression; a stir
A publicity splash.
Plop
Set (something or oneself) down with or as if with a noise;
He planked the money on the table
He planked himself into the sofa
Splash
(onomatopoeia) The sound made by an object hitting a liquid.
I heard a splash when the rock landed in the pond.
Plop
With a short hollow thud;
Plop came the ball down to the corner of the green
Splash
A small amount of liquid.
I felt a splash of rain, so I put up my hood.
I felt a splash of water on my leg as the car drove into the nearby puddle.
Splash
A small amount (of color).
The painter put a splash of blue on the wall to make it more colorful
Splash
A mark or stain made from a small amount of liquid.
There was a visible splash on his pants after he went to the bathroom.
Splash
An impact or impression.
The new movie made quite a splash upon its release.
Splash
A splash screen.
Splash
(wrestling) A body press; a move where the wrestler jumps forward from a raised platform such as the top turnbuckle, landing stomach first across an opponent lying on the ground below.
Splash
(dated) A cosmetic powder to whiten the complexion.
Splash
(journalism) A large, prominent headline or article.
Splash
The shooting down of an aircraft over water.
Splash
The bleeding caused by a knife wound.
Splash
A knife.
Splash
To hit or agitate liquid so that part of it separates from the principal liquid mass.
Sit and splash in the bathtub
Splash
To disperse a fluid suddenly; to splatter.
Water splashed everywhere
Splash
(transitive) To hit or expel liquid at.
The children were splashing each other playfully in the sea.
When she comes in the door, splash her with perfume.
Splash
To create an impact or impression; to print, post, or publicize prominently.
The headline was splashed across newspapers everywhere.
Splash
(transitive) To spend (money).
After pay day I can afford to splash some cash and buy myself a motorbike.
Splash
(figurative) To roughly fill with color.
Splash
To launch a ship.
Splash
To shoot down (an aircraft) over water.
Splash
To stab (a person), causing them to bleed.
Splash
To strike and dash about, as water, mud, etc.; to plash.
Splash
To spatter water, mud, etc., upon; to wet.
Splash
To strike and dash about water, mud, etc.; to dash in such a way as to spatter.
Splash
Water, or water and dirt, thrown upon anything, or thrown from a puddle or the like; also, a spot or daub, as of matter which wets or disfigures.
Splash
A noise made by striking upon or in a liquid.
Splash
The sound like water splashing
Splash
A small quantity of something moist or soft;
A dab of paint
A splatter of mud
Splash
The act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
Splash
The act of scattering water about haphazardly
Splash
Cause (a liquid) to spatter about, especially with force;
She splashed the water around her
Splash
Walk through mud or mire;
We had to splosh across the wet meadow
Splash
Dash a liquid upon or against;
The mother splashed the baby's face with water
Splash
Mark or overlay with patches of contrasting color or texture; cause to appear splashed or spattered;
The mountain was splashed with snow
Splash
Make a splashing sound;
Water was splashing on the floor
Splash
Soil or stain with a splashed liquid
Splash
Strike and dash about in a liquid;
The boys splashed around in the pool
Common Curiosities
What type of actions typically cause a "plop"?
Actions like a small stone falling into a pond or a single raindrop hitting a surface.
What type of actions typically cause a "splash"?
Actions such as jumping into a pool or a stone thrown forcefully into a river.
What does "plop" describe?
Plop describes a soft, muffled sound made by a small object gently hitting liquid.
What does "splash" describe?
Splash refers to a louder, more dispersed sound caused by an object striking water more forcefully.
Can "plop" and "splash" be used interchangeably?
They are not typically interchangeable as "plop" implies a smaller, quieter action while "splash" indicates a more dynamic, noisy event.
How do writers choose between "plop" and "splash" to set a scene?
Writers choose based on the intensity and scale of the action they want to describe, with "plop" for subtler scenes and "splash" for more dynamic ones.
Which is louder, a "plop" or a "splash"?
A splash is generally louder than a plop.
Can "plop" and "splash" both be used in poetry?
Yes, both can be effectively used in poetry to convey different sounds and actions related to water.
What mood does "splash" usually convey in writing?
Splash usually conveys a more energetic, lively mood.
How do "plop" and "splash" relate to the size of the object involved?
Plop usually involves smaller objects, while splash involves larger or more forceful objects.
Is "plop" or "splash" more likely to involve visual drama?
Splash is more associated with visual drama, often involving a noticeable spray of water.
What mood does "plop" usually convey in writing?
Plop often conveys a quieter, more tranquil mood.
Which term would you use to describe a fish jumping out of water?
"Splash" would be appropriate for the energetic action of a fish jumping out of water.
Which term would you use to describe dropping a pill into a glass of water?
"Plop" would be suitable for the gentle action of a pill dropping into water.
What are the visual differences between a "plop" and a "splash"?
Plop causes minimal visual disturbance, while splash results in a significant dispersion of water and spray.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
