as in cheering
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in slapping
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
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 clapping
Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024
Cecilia was clapping her hands in vicarious delight.
—Bob Brody, Chicago Tribune, 23 Dec. 2024
Takeaways As some players danced to the music playing in the background, Davis was clapping and talking excitedly to his charges.
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Performers sing traditional Tajik songs, while guests let loose, dancing and clapping along.
—Valerie Hopkins, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Last year, the couple chose a glam snap of them clapping at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany for their season's greetings.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
In a fan video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Swift can be seen cheering and clapping next to Donna, before pointing out someone on the field.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024
Editor’s picks Stomping their feet, clapping their hands, and slapping the table, the four characters sing of a man confined to Parchman while his lover is free.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 29 Nov. 2024
On the other end of the court, the Bruins forced a Southern Utah turnover when Skyy Clark dove onto the court for a steal, clapping in celebration after the Thunderbirds compounded their mistake with a foul.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
Union also can be seen clapping beside them.
—Emma Aerin Becker, People.com, 25 Dec. 2024
Cecilia was clapping her hands in vicarious delight.
—Bob Brody, Chicago Tribune, 23 Dec. 2024
Takeaways As some players danced to the music playing in the background, Davis was clapping and talking excitedly to his charges.
—Vic Tafur, The Athletic, 23 Dec. 2024
Performers sing traditional Tajik songs, while guests let loose, dancing and clapping along.
—Valerie Hopkins, New York Times, 22 Dec. 2024
Last year, the couple chose a glam snap of them clapping at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games in Düsseldorf, Germany for their season's greetings.
—Janine Henni, People.com, 16 Dec. 2024
In a fan video shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), Swift can be seen cheering and clapping next to Donna, before pointing out someone on the field.
—Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024
Editor’s picks Stomping their feet, clapping their hands, and slapping the table, the four characters sing of a man confined to Parchman while his lover is free.
—Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 29 Nov. 2024
On the other end of the court, the Bruins forced a Southern Utah turnover when Skyy Clark dove onto the court for a steal, clapping in celebration after the Thunderbirds compounded their mistake with a foul.
—Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clapping
Noun
-
Lady Lake offers spring concert series The Town of Lady Lake is sponsoring a Sounds of Spring Concert Series, a lineup of free live music performances from tribute and cover bands, along with food trucks, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 22, April 5 and May 17 at Snooky Park, 120 Lady Lake Blvd.—
Orlando Sentinel Staff,
Orlando Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2025
-
The Mercury plan to induct her into their ring of honor this summer — a fitting tribute to one of the game’s greatest players. Want more sports news?—
John Marshall,
The Denver Post,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Hand clapping is ubiquitous behavior for humans across time and cultures, serving many different purposes: to signify approval with applause, for instance, or to keep time to music.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
12 Mar. 2025
-
Spellbound audiences burst into spontaneous applause.—
Thomas Doherty,
The Hollywood Reporter,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Flagg already was considered the likely No. 1 pick even before the 6-foot-9 swingman backed up the acclaim accompanying his arrival on campus by emerging as a national player of the year front-runner his freshman season.—
Steve Megargee,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
-
The show, which hit number one on Netflix after its release, has received widespread acclaim for its writing, directing, and performances—including from Cooper.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
20 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The group in the other vehicle surround Martinez between the two vehicles, with two people repeatedly punching her while a third person pulls her legs, taking her to the ground.—
Nathan Solis,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Dec. 2024
-
According to Hallman, Forrest-Stitt responded by allegedly assaulting him, punching him in the chest, hitting his mouth, and causing injuries, including a busted lip and a painful bicep injury.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
11 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Eugene Robinson followed, with a subtle column on the new documentary about Katharine Graham; the column made no reference to Bezos, but its paeans to Graham’s courage in the face of Richard Nixon’s threats evoked an implicit comparison with the current owner and his relationship with Trump.—
Ruth Marcus,
The New Yorker,
12 Mar. 2025
-
This the same woman whose 1969 Wellesley commencement address was a paean to youthful dissent, searching, and renewal.—
Matthew Continetti,
National Review,
8 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
With Mike Witcher on dobro and Ethan Ballinger on mandolin, guitar, and harmony vocals, the Luke Bulla Trio gave a commanding performance that well-deserved its standing ovations, the news release stated.—
Del Mar Foundation,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 Mar. 2025
-
Despite critical acclaim and a long ovation at the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last year, The Apprentice had trouble finding a distributor.—
Toni Fitzgerald,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
United have scored 23 goals in 20 Premier League games, off the back of hitting 57, 58, and 57 goals in the past three full seasons.—
David Ornstein,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
-
Newcastle’s equaliser was allowed to stand despite the ball hitting Joelinton’s hand in the build-up.—
Phil Hay,
The Athletic,
6 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Those two words — Philly's affectionate salutation — have taken on deeper meaning as the city grapples with the aftermath of a tragedy that killed seven people and injured dozens more.—
Isaac Avilucea,
Axios,
7 Feb. 2025
-
Sun Salutations The sun salutations are a group of poses focused on moving the body.—
Cory Martin,
Verywell Health,
23 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Clapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clapping. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share