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
Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026
Clad in all black, James and the band cracked wise onstage with a brash, swashbuckling attitude, led constant clap-alongs, and took multiple sojourns into the crowd — and that was just during the first song.
—Daniel Kohn, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
The usual response is to clap, which the phenomenon of grade inflation is turning into routine standing ovations.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
Noun
Gamma rays are the most energetic type of light rays, typically marking the last gasp of a dying star or the cataclysmic clap of two neutron stars.
—Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026
Clad in all black, James and the band cracked wise onstage with a brash, swashbuckling attitude, led constant clap-alongs, and took multiple sojourns into the crowd — and that was just during the first song.
—Daniel Kohn, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
He and his wife Peng Liyuan were greeted by Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju, who broadly smiled and clapped.
—Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
The usual response is to clap, which the phenomenon of grade inflation is turning into routine standing ovations.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
Noun
-
The singer paired the look with strappy black high-heel shoes, multiple rings and dangling earrings, choosing to wear her hair in a low bun with a few pieces left out, and blunt bangs.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
-
Over the next two decades, the twins grew up, grew out their bangs, and experimented with ever-changing beauty statements both on and off screen.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
13 June 2026
Noun
-
The driver’s side opens, releasing the thump of music and a tall, lean figure.—
Shyla Watson,
PEOPLE,
5 June 2026
-
The usual thump of a foot hitting a soccer ball filled the air Wednesday at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
Fireworks lit up the night sky, people honked horns on jampacked streets and firefighters — from their trucks — slapped high-fives with delirious fans.—
Tim Reynolds,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
-
Rhodes then slapped Zayn across the face.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
14 June 2026
Noun
-
That experience captures the tension at the heart of the wellness retreat boom.—
Hanna Wickes,
Sacbee.com,
10 June 2026
-
The industry behind the wellness retreat boom Hotels and resorts are quietly converting their spas from relaxation oases into health and longevity destinations, with programs that claim to improve sleep, reduce stress and support longer, healthier lives.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2026
Noun
-
The rookie took a deep breath, settled into his stance and watched as Houston’s pitcher, Enyel De Los Santos, attempted to deliver the final blow.—
Latif Love
June 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 June 2026
-
Star third baseman José Ramírez broke a bone in his left hand on a swing Saturday and will be sidelined for an indefinite period, a massive blow to the two-time defending AL Central champions.—
Tom Withers,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
Llamas smacked 139 hits in her career, Kyles 136.—
Don Norcross,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
10 June 2026
-
Then the others, perhaps hearing the now-familiar smack, smack, slurp of group tonsil hockey, followed suit.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
9 June 2026
Noun
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His blast marked the only hit allowed by the Rays pitching staff – including opener Ian Seymour, who struck out five and issued one walk over four innings – until Ceddanne Rafaela singled with two outs in the sixth (and was immediately caught stealing second to end the inning).—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
9 June 2026
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When done well, those moments can be as important to the world of an album as the riffs and blast beats.—
Brad Sanders,
Pitchfork,
8 June 2026
Noun
-
Beyond that, though, the Americans cannot afford to start with a thud, not with so many untrained eyes finally paying attention.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
12 June 2026
-
Non-sterling objects produce a dull thud.—
Tessa Cooper,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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