as in cheering
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
As the clapping continued, Farhadi hugged his actors Catherine Deneuve and Virginie Efira.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 14 May 2026
The joke came either 6 (per Variety and THR) or 9 (according to Deadline) minutes after the clapping began.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 May 2026
But after about five minutes of cheering and clapping, Almodóvar didn’t know what to do.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Thousands of fans responded with a sing-song chant, punctuated with staccato clapping.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
There is also a lot of performative clapping involved—but the less made about the length of standing ovations at film festivals the better.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
In a video released Wednesday, clapping could be heard from a crowd that gathered as Zapata Nájera was removed from the mine, seeing daylight for the first time this month.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The whole thing was a striking visual spectacle, too — waves of musicians rising from both sides, backup singers swaying and clapping, spotlights sweeping across the floor as a roaming camera zipped through the crowd like a drone that had just discovered country music.
—Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Food Network star Alex Guarnaschelli commented on the brand's Instagram announcement with a series of clapping hands emojis.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Michael Carrick made his way around the lap of honour, clapping the fans who were still inside Old Trafford after Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool, which secured Champions League football.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Spirits were high at the event, with protesters cheering and clapping for speakers.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 May 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
Cherry climbed onto the chair, clapping.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
The artist formerly known as Kanye West may be enjoying a triumphant return to the stage, but not everyone is clapping.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026
The Galaxy keeper turned and appeared to upbraid his defenders before clapping and trying to rally his team.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
Noun
Mahomes’ personal trainer, Bobby Stroupe, commented on the post with clapping emojis.
—Pj Green, Kansas City Star, 15 May 2026
As the clapping continued, Farhadi hugged his actors Catherine Deneuve and Virginie Efira.
—Ellise Shafer, Variety, 14 May 2026
The joke came either 6 (per Variety and THR) or 9 (according to Deadline) minutes after the clapping began.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 13 May 2026
But after about five minutes of cheering and clapping, Almodóvar didn’t know what to do.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Thousands of fans responded with a sing-song chant, punctuated with staccato clapping.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
There is also a lot of performative clapping involved—but the less made about the length of standing ovations at film festivals the better.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
In a video released Wednesday, clapping could be heard from a crowd that gathered as Zapata Nájera was removed from the mine, seeing daylight for the first time this month.
—Greg Norman-Diamond, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The whole thing was a striking visual spectacle, too — waves of musicians rising from both sides, backup singers swaying and clapping, spotlights sweeping across the floor as a roaming camera zipped through the crowd like a drone that had just discovered country music.
—Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Cannes audience gave Travolta a warm welcome, clapping multiple times during the screening and giving him a standing ovation.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 15 May 2026
Food Network star Alex Guarnaschelli commented on the brand's Instagram announcement with a series of clapping hands emojis.
—Erin Clements, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Michael Carrick made his way around the lap of honour, clapping the fans who were still inside Old Trafford after Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool, which secured Champions League football.
—Chris McKenna, New York Times, 4 May 2026
Spirits were high at the event, with protesters cheering and clapping for speakers.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 2 May 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
Cherry climbed onto the chair, clapping.
—Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
The artist formerly known as Kanye West may be enjoying a triumphant return to the stage, but not everyone is clapping.
—Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2026
The Galaxy keeper turned and appeared to upbraid his defenders before clapping and trying to rally his team.
—Los Angeles Times, 5 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clapping
Noun
-
But after about five minutes of cheering and clapping, Almodóvar didn’t know what to do.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
-
Streets filled with cheering fans.—
Ricci Shryock,
NPR,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
At the surrounding tables patrons were talking, laughing, slapping one another heartily on the back.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
-
From Rome, Rubio announced the administration was slapping additional sanctions on Cuba.—
Rick Jervis,
USA Today,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Her death was confirmed by her nephew, Bryan Longet, who posted a social media tribute on Thursday.—
Emily St. Martin,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
-
But alongside the music, the Fab Four also spawned a parallel tribute-film industry all but dedicated to extolling their cultural influence.—
Vikram Murthi,
IndieWire,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Parents Alexus Benavidez and Rauf Scott of Collin County filed a complaint this month against Kids ‘R’ Kids of Lawler Farm in Frisco, alleging their 3-year-old son was the victim of excessive physical force that included yanking, spanking and smacking the toddler.—
Lina Ruiz
May 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 May 2026
-
Chicago rookie Munetaka Murakami became the first player in major league history to homer in the first game of eight straight series, smacking a solo shot off Emerson Hancock (3-1) in the first.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Noun
-
Hannah Einbinder and Gillian Anderson star in the writer-director’s third feature film, which received a six-minute standing ovation on Wednesday night as Schoenbrun hugged their stars to roaring applause and cheers from the crowd.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
13 May 2026
-
Joined by her septet and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Steven Reineke, Joy performed a medley of tunes — her own originals as well as standards and more obscure selections within the vocal jazz canon — to rapturous applause.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Video posted online by Kol Haolam News shows the Honda backing up and then driving into the pair of double doors, knocking one door off its hinges.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
14 May 2026
-
The puck had just slipped through Poehling’s skates when McNabb crunched Poehling into the boards, knocking him out for the rest of the game and prompting an official review.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
On-screen, Armitage’s portrayal of the socially awkward Sheldon has earned him critical acclaim.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
Captain Reece James made a point of pushing McFarlane to take acclaim from Chelsea fans in the stands after those results, a strong sign his contribution is significant and appreciated.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
And the hot honey sauce added just enough sweetness to balance the flavors, without the heat punching you in the face right away.—
Evan Moore
May 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 May 2026
-
The month prior, an adult man was charged after allegedly punching a police officer at the city's annual Light Up Night, and police issued a dispersal order when teens began to get rowdy.—
Finch Walker,
USA Today,
12 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clapping. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
