1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
gave the stubborn handle a solid clout to make it turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in influence
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
has a great deal of clout in the film industry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to punch
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
clouted the nail with the hammer and drove it all the way into the wood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clout
Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 July 2025
How this contrasts with the Obama and Biden administrations
Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden emphasized the importance of data for evaluating the impact of their policies on low-income people, who have historically had little political clout.
—Sarah James, The Conversation, 17 July 2025
Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2024
Rapinoe, her replacement, clouted her kick well above the bar.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for clout
Noun
These theoretical clout chasers might buy multiple tickets to see The Labubu Movie multiple times.
—Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 18 July 2025
How this contrasts with the Obama and Biden administrations
Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden emphasized the importance of data for evaluating the impact of their policies on low-income people, who have historically had little political clout.
—Sarah James, The Conversation, 17 July 2025
Verb
But possible changes in whose voice matters might give the state superintendent more clout ahead.
—Alan J. Borsuk, Journal Sentinel, 16 Feb. 2024
Rapinoe, her replacement, clouted her kick well above the bar.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2023
See All Example Sentences for clout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clout
Noun
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The expiration of the enhanced subsidies will also deal a major blow to Covered Connecticut, a program that provides no-cost exchange plans to residents who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but still earn 175% or less than the federal poverty level.—
Jenna Carlesso,
Hartford Courant,
13 Aug. 2025
-
The Postal Savings Bank, established in 1911, softened the blow of the Great Depression for millions, before being killed by the big banks in 1967.—
Mark Dimondstein,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The group combines country, Western, rock and roll, pop and surf rock with soundtrack and new age influences, and has been praised by outlets like The Wall Street Journal.—
Duante Beddingfield,
Freep.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Open-source projects often wield a different, more substantial type of influence over technical standards, security protocols and even the ethical frameworks that govern the use of technology.—
Kevin Korte,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
California Governor Gavin Newsom is punching back at President Donald Trump — in memes and capital letters.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Miami’s first offensive drive of the Bears game was spoiled because of the team’s inability to punch the ball into the end zone on four goal line runs.—
Omar Kelly
August 15,
Miami Herald,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Some of those bombardments have come immediately after Putin talked with Trump on the phone in what can only be categorized as a deliberate slap in the face.—
Daniel DePetris,
Chicago Tribune,
15 July 2025
-
After hopping on stage for an infamous moment at the 2022 Academy Awards, Will Smith has hopped the pond to rap about the slap heard 'round the world.—
Sara Netzley,
EW.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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This creates enormous leverage for attackers who know healthcare organizations are more likely to pay ransoms.—
Jim McGann,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Unrivaled also provides leverage to the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) during current labor talks.—
Eric Jackson,
Sportico.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
At one point, an overhead bin popped open and a few unbuckled passengers smacked their head on the ceiling.—
Elaine Godfrey,
The Atlantic,
6 Aug. 2025
-
Sitting down with IndieWire, smack in the middle of their getting ready process for World of Wonder’s FYC Pride Event on June 6 in Los Angeles, Season 17 queens Onya Nurve and Jewels Sparkles said the key to harnessing that legacy was having fun.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The wolf was quite literally at the door of the blue house on Highway 49 in Sierra County, tearing apart an elk on the front porch as the college-age son of the owner sat alone inside, listening to the thumps and snarls and hoping the latch was secure.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
1 Aug. 2025
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Riley Greene and Spencer Torkelson give this team just enough thump to be dangerous.—
Tony Blengino,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Noun
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Although New Yorkers have heavily leaned Democratic in most local and statewide elections, Republicans have gained traction with the help of a strong base combined with more political sway from independent voters.—
Nick Mordowanec,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Aug. 2025
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Traditional models of persuasion designed to push, nudge, or steer don't hold as much sway in a world where the consumer is often one step ahead.—
Teja Chekuri,
Forbes.com,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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