as in rattle
the loud sound made when metal strikes metal
the car is making a funny clank, and this can't be good
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clank
Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
In the big, anonymous hotel, the air-conditioning kicked on with a startling clank.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Denver fails to strike first as Wil Lutz clanks the right upright on the 44-yard try.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Noun
The tables were empty and the bar deserted, the only sign of life the clank and swish of dishes being washed in the back, through the swinging double doors.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
In the big, anonymous hotel, the air-conditioning kicked on with a startling clank.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kicker Eddy Piñeiro missed his first field goal with the 49ers when a 64-yard attempt clanked off the crossbar as the first half expired.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Denver fails to strike first as Wil Lutz clanks the right upright on the 44-yard try.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clank
Noun
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The snake struck and shook its tail to protect itself, releasing its notorious rattle warning.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
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Most people initially become aware of the reptiles by hearing their rattles, which the snakes use to try to scare off aggressors or to distract prey.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Paveletzke drove straight down the middle of the court for a would-be game-winner … but Suder, who struggled offensively most of the night, met him at the rim and went straight up defensively, forcing Paveletzke’s running layup to clink off the front rim.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
7 Mar. 2026
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As the night progressed, cocktail glasses continued to clink while a tasty île flottante dessert made its way to each table.—
Avon Dorsey,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In front of us was the end of the line where the tram would come to a stop with its own special lively clang.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
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In a video that has since gone viral, Strelow's teammates are seen clapping when a clang can be heard.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sticks clacked in quick succession as passes moved up the ice.—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
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In between the clacking tiles and competitive banter, the game allows for conversation and relaxation.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The deepening crisis has also sparked protests and clashes across the island.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
3 Apr. 2026
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From there, the play builds into a seismic clash between the two, each arguing for their place, with Curator caught in the middle.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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During the fight, a knife clattered onto the subway car’s floor, cops said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
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In Manhattan, Henry hoofed through the city’s streets and into its clattering manufacturers’ workshops day after day, trying to drum up interest in her interchangeable umbrella.—
Shoshi Parks,
Popular Science,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Watches, rings and race car helmets When Final Four teams arrived in Indianapolis, they were gifted a race car helmet and watches, which led to Hurley’s speech about coming for rings, not watches, as soon as the team got off the plane.—
Joe Arruda,
Hartford Courant,
3 Apr. 2026
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The front desk clerk exchanged passports for iron keys while also running a prostitute ring; peddlers roamed the premises hawking lacquer boxes and sports jerseys in garbled English.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Ryan Reaves — arguably the NHL’s toughest fighter through his career — was recently chirped by a teammate two decades younger than him for turning 39.—
Dan Robson,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
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As Doncic stood at the free throw line, the two players began chirping at one another.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clank. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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