1
as in bang
a loud explosive sound
a clap of thunder that woke the whole house up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in thump
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
a sharp clap to the head of the disrespectful youth
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to slap
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
clapped him on the back as a friendly gesture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clap
Sharareh Drury, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
The nature of Favre's slow clap drew backlash from some with pro-LGBTQ beliefs on social media.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Mar. 2025
When Kyle Jamieson dropped a sitter to reprieve Shreyas Iyer, Shah was in hysterics and jumped out of his seat clapping his hands.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Noun
Jenner, dressed in a sparkling black floor-length gown, claps along with the rest of the theater and touches the Dune star’s cheek.
—Sharareh Drury, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025
The nature of Favre's slow clap drew backlash from some with pro-LGBTQ beliefs on social media.
—Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 12 Jan. 2025
Verb
Trump asked as Vice President JD Vance laughed and clapped behind him.
—W. James Antle Iii, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 4 Mar. 2025
When Kyle Jamieson dropped a sitter to reprieve Shreyas Iyer, Shah was in hysterics and jumped out of his seat clapping his hands.
—Tristan Lavalette, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
Noun
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Taylor Swift has her blond bangs—sometimes middle-parted, sometimes swept to the side, but always present.—
Kristen Philipkoski,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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While getting the most bang for the buck can be a compelling goal, Stryker recommends homeowners consider something else.—
Luke Miller,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Then the silence was broken by the loud thump of Olive’s .38/40.—
Horace R. Hinkley,
Outdoor Life,
19 Mar. 2025
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This, more than any textured thumps, added to the immersiveness.—
PCMAG,
PCMAG,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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But that all changed in December, when Trump first threatened to slap heavy tariffs on his northern neighbor.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Mar. 2025
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The short answer: President Trump and his insistence on slapping tariffs on key trading partners, including Canada, Mexico and China.—
Russ Wiles,
USA Today,
27 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Given how low rates were during the first few years of the Covid pandemic, which sparked a massive refinance boom, there are now precious few borrowers who can benefit from a refinance at the current rates.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2025
-
The boom, or hydraulic arm of the crane, snapped as the structure came down.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The library now needs to build out the new Canadian entrance to code — a blow to a not-for-profit organization that has existed on a limited endowment since 1908.—
Cara Tabachnick,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2025
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New York City's drinking water could eventually absorb a blow if reservoirs supplying a portion of it become vacated due to rising salinity, according to a new report.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
21 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Jordan Hicks pitched an efficient five-plus innings, Tyler Fitzgerald smacked a two-run homer and scored a run, and the Giants beat the Tigers, 4-3.—
Evan Webeck,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
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In actuality, everything — unbeknownst to him — was ridiculously staged in a pitch-perfect reality TV parody, as comedy improv actors like David Hornsby and pre-Saturday Night Live Kristen Wiig would put Gould smack dab in the middle of absurd situation after absurd situation.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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In the recreation of the track’s music video, directed by Parris Goebel — who also worked on the original — the fans have a blast while delivering a fierce, heartfelt performance of the Mayhem single’s choreo.—
Rania Aniftos,
Billboard,
1 Apr. 2025
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Cause of blast, fire under investigation The cause of the blast and resulting fire is under investigation.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Even after a rigorous interview process and a seemingly perfect fit, the offer can land with a thud.—
Rebecca Skilbeck,
Forbes,
19 Mar. 2025
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But for some experts, the company’s claims are landing with a thud.—
Lee Billings,
Scientific American,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.
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