applaud

verb

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ap·plaud | \ ə-ˈplȯd

applauded; applauding; applauds

Definition of applaud

intransitive verb

: to express approval especially by clapping the hands The audience applauded at the end of the performance.

transitive verb

1 : to express approval of : praise I applaud her efforts to lose weight.

2 : to show approval of especially by clapping the hands Spectators applauded the team.

Other Words from applaud Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about applaud

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Other Words from applaud

applaudable \ ə-ˈplȯ-də-bəl

\ adjective

applaudably \ ə-ˈplȯ-də-blē

\ adverb

applauder noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for applaud

Synonyms

Antonyms

Examples of applaud in a Sentence

Everyone applauded the graduates as they entered the auditorium. The audience stood and applauded her performance. We applaud the decision to lower taxes. I applaud their efforts to clean up the city, but they must do more. Rather than being criticized for her honesty, she should be applauded for it.

Recent Examples on the Web Presidential addresses also offer the opportunity for the president to tout his goals and accomplishments in front of a somewhat friendly audience, with members of their party eager to applaud and give standing ovations throughout the speech. — Grace Segers, CBS News, "What Biden will say in his first address to Congress," 28 Apr. 2021 As the president of the Fashion jury, Louise Trotter was there in person to applaud the 10 designers, culled from 185 applicants. — Tina Isaac-goizé, Vogue, "“What Surprises Is Their Self-Expression and Individuality, It’s Very High Level”—Meet the Fashion Finalists of the Festival d’Hyères," 6 Apr. 2021 This year, the contradiction—of a series asking fans to applaud it for meeting the outside world’s changing standards on a casting level and then failing to meet those standards behind the scenes—was too obvious to ignore. — Shirley Li, The Atlantic, "When the Fantasy of The Bachelor Finally Met Reality," 28 Mar. 2021 Former first lady Michelle Obama, singer Beyoncé and White House press secretary Jen Psaki were among the Americans to applaud Meghan for speaking openly about race and mental health. — NBC News, "Meghan and Harry's Oprah interview revealed cultural divide between U.K. and America," 20 Mar. 2021 Most of the time, people will respect it and applaud you. — Darrah Brustein, Forbes, "Former Fifth Harmony Member Ally Brooke Opens Up Like Never Before," 9 Mar. 2021 Shoppers applaud it for keeping things dry in rainy weather and for serving as both furniture and storage. — Lily Gray, Better Homes & Gardens, "The 11 Best Outdoor Storage Essentials for Your Backyard, According to Reviews," 2 Apr. 2021 Prison wardens will applaud the heft and assuredness with which the vault-like slabs snick shut, as resolute as any Chubb safe. — Robert Ross, Robb Report, "Drive Review: Why These Two Mercedes SUVs Belong in the Same Garage," 1 Apr. 2021 Some applaud it, while some are skeptical due to the tendency for unity to be used as an excuse to escape accountability and responsibility. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Column: Why working toward racial unity and healing is so very hard," 28 Feb. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'applaud.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.