1
as in bang
a loud explosive sound
a clap of thunder that woke the whole house up
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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
Beth Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Slow golf clap for Peking One getting the total violations down to 66 for Tuesday’s re-inspection.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
To see players announced and introduced after 10 minutes of pointless waiting and camera shots of team executives sitting around a table looking at laptops before clapping after every decision.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
Noun
Jaquez led a spirited eight-clap, the band blared the school fight song, and mascots Joe Bruin and Josie Bruin danced.
—Beth Harris, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Slow golf clap for Peking One getting the total violations down to 66 for Tuesday’s re-inspection.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
The rest of us ooh-ed and clapped.
—Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
To see players announced and introduced after 10 minutes of pointless waiting and camera shots of team executives sitting around a table looking at laptops before clapping after every decision.
—Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
Noun
-
The first and most obvious change is her bangs.—
Vicky Vera,
Glamour,
26 Apr. 2026
-
They and others were seated at the front of the ballroom when video captured what sounded like at least five loud bangs before armed officers rushed in and hauled the president, first lady, Vice President JD Vance and others away while other attendees ducked down under tables.—
Garrett Haake,
NBC news,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Yankees need Wells to provide at least some thump in a bottom third of the order that hasn’t been very good.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Draftniks slap grades on the quality of the picks based on their perceptions of where the player’s talent meets positional need.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Marcus Smart grabbed the ball and fired a two-handed pass to James, who bobbled it and slapped it to Luke Kennard.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Market watchers looking for clarity about the direction of Big Tech and the AI investment boom didn’t get much Wednesday afternoon amid a barrage of key earning reports.—
Rob Wile,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The productivity boom, in this reading, isn’t lifting all boats.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Arsenal’s title challenge is back on track, Liverpool have been dealt a potentially season-defining injury blow, and Fantasy Premier League managers now have just four Gameweeks left to make their mark.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The loss of Kidal represents a significant blow to Russia’s credibility in Mali, where the military junta has relied on mercenaries to combat Islamic extremism.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Met Gala lands smack in the middle of that window, on Monday, May 4 — its traditional first-Monday-in-May slot.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The boy smacks him in the mouth and then immediately starts crying.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Jac Caglianone tied the game with a two-run homer in the ninth and Lane Thomas’ three-run blast in the 10th won it for the Royals.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Judge followed up behind him with a solo blast of his own.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Likewise, the score by Tony Doogan leans too heavily on generic electronic thuds, the kind that segue into a commercial break cliffhanger and an ad for blood pressure medicine.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The Charlotte Hornets’ president of basketball operations summarized the team’s plight in the 2025-26 season, which ended with a thud in Friday night’s play-in tournament loss to the Orlando Magic, and looked forward to the next task.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
21 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
