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
Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
There was no standing ovation, only a few sporadic claps mixed in with folks cheering for Fitzpatrick.
—Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and first lady Ri Sol Ju greeted Xi at the airport in Pyongyang, with official footage showing the pair clapping as Xi’s plane landed, kicking off his two-day state visit.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
Noun
Other players, especially the younger players and newcomers, did head over toward La Familia and give them waves and claps.
—Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
There was no standing ovation, only a few sporadic claps mixed in with folks cheering for Fitzpatrick.
—Jordan Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 11 May 2026
Verb
After beating the throw to first base, Bowen clapped his hands together and hollered a few times.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 June 2026
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and first lady Ri Sol Ju greeted Xi at the airport in Pyongyang, with official footage showing the pair clapping as Xi’s plane landed, kicking off his two-day state visit.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 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
-
While playing Pragmata, the thump of approaching robots had solid directionality, and the weapon blasts had a good amount of low-end force.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
14 June 2026
-
The driver’s side opens, releasing the thump of music and a tall, lean figure.—
Shyla Watson,
PEOPLE,
5 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
-
Birding has exploded from a niche hobby into a mainstream pastime, driven by the pandemic outdoor-recreation boom and amplified by apps and social media.—
Hanna Wickes,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
-
The framework expands on an initiative first launched in 2020 developed to address growing pressures on the nation’s supply chains, driven by an expanding economy, shifting urban-rural demographics and the rapid boom of e-commerce.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
17 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
-
There's one man smack in the middle of it all.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
18 June 2026
-
For the viewer, the satisfaction comes through vicarious tactile sensation—witnessing how the thatch gets smacked in by a flat, hammerlike device, or the way a tile slots perfectly into a shelf niche.—
Kyle Chayka,
New Yorker,
17 June 2026
Noun
-
Varland, the American League’s top reliever thus far, had only allowed two runs prior to Goldschmidt’s two-run, go-ahead blast, which sparked a 3-1 victory for the Yankees.—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
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The Bobbing Barrels water ride will let riders spin their barrels using water cannon blasts while onlookers also fire away from the sidelines with their own water cannons.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
16 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 20 Jun. 2026.
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