clap 1 of 2

noun

Definition of clapnext
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

clap

2 of 2

verb

ˈklap How to pronounce clap (audio)
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

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 clap
Noun
The emotional high point comes at the bridge, when the song transforms into a stomp-clap rhythm and Rodrigo shouts the lyrics with abandon. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 June 2026 As the track slowly unlocks and lifts riders to a forward-facing position, one rider gives a thumbs-up and claps. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Verb
Last week, as dusk draped over the water, fans clapped the musicians through their last song of the night. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 July 2026 In a video shared on Instagram by Wallace, their guests could be seen excitedly cheering, clapping and stamping their feet as the action unfolded. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for clap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
  1. bang
  2. thump
  3. slap
  4. boom
  5. blow
  6. smack
  7. blast
  8. thud
Noun
  • From a fringed mullet, to a blonde buzz cut, bobs in various lengths, micro bangs, and even a shade of citrus—Kristen Stewart’s looks are always executed with an edge.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 July 2026
  • Her tattoos and brunette bangs hint at a bohemian persona, but her glossy-looking album covers and easygoing interview responses aren’t very edgy.
    — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • If the offense keeps doing just enough, and Breslow finds some more thump at the deadline, baseball’s hottest team could have staying power.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Duggan Borges gestures around the studio, that thump still coming through the ceiling.
    — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of thump
Verb
  • Brussels, however, was less charitable with EU regulators slapping a fine of 890 million euros ($1 billion) on Google, its first penalty under the Digital Markets Act, for favoring its own services.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 24 July 2026
  • Since the fire, Southern California’s Air Quality Management District has slapped Lineage with multiple violations tied to the warehouse.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of slap
Noun
  • But that was before the data center boom came to Georgia, upending development norms.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
  • Logging rates accelerated after the 1906 earthquake, and jumped again in the 1950s during the post-World War II boom.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
Definition of boom
Noun
  • San Francisco has already seen right-hander Hayden Birdsong undergo Tommy John surgery earlier this year, and losing McDonald for an extended period of time would be another brutal blow for the pitching staff.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 25 July 2026
  • Under Ozel’s leadership, the CHP had delivered a significant blow to Erdogan’s party in the 2024 municipal elections.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
Definition of blow
Verb
  • Heavy raindrops flew sideways, smacking against the hood of my rain jacket and creating a nearly deafening white noise.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • The Tampa Bay Rays third baseman smacked a 463-foot whopper late last month.
    — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 13 July 2026
Definition of smack
Noun
  • Deaton notes that the best course of action for smaller infestations is to prune out the affected area to prevent the pests from spreading and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or a blast of soapy water.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 21 July 2026
  • Mack followed a two-out walk issued to Jakob Marsee with a 409-foot blast to right field in the second.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026
Definition of blast
Noun
  • The White House’s latest dustup with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) landed with a thud Thursday among his GOP colleagues.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 23 July 2026
  • Minus the dull thud of the boats gently colliding with the wooden posts they’re tied to, the normally busy thoroughfare is quiet.
    — Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 July 2026
Definition of thud

Phrases Containing clap

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clansmen
clap
clapped
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Cite this Entry

“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clap

Nglish: Translation of clap for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clap

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