applaud

verb

ə-ˈplȯd How to pronounce applaud (audio)
Definition of applaudnext
as in to praise
to declare enthusiastic approval of I applaud your decision to take that advanced course

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 applaud Something that started decades ago and was applauded and inoffensive is now politically incorrect. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 19 Oct. 2026 Public perceptions of the police also change and are influenced by what people see on social media, said Hrar, who noted that officers were applauded for their bravery during terror attacks in 2015. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026 Schwarzenegger applauded Newsom for requiring the Legislature to pass a California Environmental Quality Act reform bill last year in exchange for signing the budget. — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Current Fairfield Vice Mayor Pam Bertani, who is a candidate in the city's mayoral race, applauded the arrest. — Coleman Petit, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applaud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applaud
  1. praise
  2. hail
  3. commend
  4. salute
Verb
  • The self-styling of Rider’s shows has been widely praised, as has the scenography of the re-see, which offers an original approach to presenting products through accumulation, layering and a play on color variations or monochromatic schemes.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Paul praised the concept of residential cruising but said the shipowner lacked the expertise to make the business financially sustainable.
    — Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • But what advocates hailed as a vehicle for democratic governance also has unleashed attack ads, seven-figure war chests and hardball politics.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Intismeran uses messenger RNA technology, the same platform pioneered in the development of Covid vaccines that’s hailed for how quickly it can be rolled out.
    — David Cox, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of hail
Verb
  • Robertson commends Bowick’s candor across her two interviews, the first of which spanned two days of filming.
    — Hunter Ingram, Variety, 27 Oct. 2026
  • That would certainly explain her kinship with Sander Lak, an equally eccentric colorist who commended Miller for her longevity in the industry and for remaining faithful to her customers.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Even the interpolations of rap gems thanks to Hov’s live band 1500 or Nothin’ and previous invitees salute the genre’s history.
    — Adelle Platon, VIBE.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Stein was more delighted that the Portuguese newspapers saluted Celtic for their style.
    — Michael Walker, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of salute

Browse Nearby Words

appetizingly
applaud
applaudable
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Cite this Entry

“Applaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applaud. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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