as in nonsense
language, behavior, or ideas that are absurd and contrary to good sense
the idea that you can get a cold from not dressing warmly is claptrap
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in mechanical
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of claptrap
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
This is Spielberg at his most pure and sensational, an undiluted cinematic experience that lacks any of his sentimental claptrap and steers clear of his tendency for multiple endings.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Third, despite Trump’s claptrap, plenty of fresh delta water is being pumped south to fill fire hydrants and the tanks of firefighting aircraft.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Many Red Sox fans have had it up to here with that building-for-the-future claptrap, so much so that expectations were scary low coming into the 2024 season.
—Steve Buckley, The Athletic, 31 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for claptrap
Noun
The show is also virtually devoid of romantic escapades, a good thing since Dumas’ novel is filled with a lot of sentimental claptrap about fighting for defenseless women’s honor or seducing virtuous maidens or going to war due to the physical beauty of a monarch.
—Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026
This is Spielberg at his most pure and sensational, an undiluted cinematic experience that lacks any of his sentimental claptrap and steers clear of his tendency for multiple endings.
—Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025
Third, despite Trump’s claptrap, plenty of fresh delta water is being pumped south to fill fire hydrants and the tanks of firefighting aircraft.
—George Skelton, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Many Red Sox fans have had it up to here with that building-for-the-future claptrap, so much so that expectations were scary low coming into the 2024 season.
—Steve Buckley, The Athletic, 31 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for claptrap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for claptrap
Noun
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But anatomically speaking, this is absolute nonsense.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
-
Travelers say they're done listening to the nonsense they've been fed.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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Rescuing utopian idyll from dystopian reality, Koreeda determines that humanity is too fragile to forfeit its defining qualities to a mechanical species; that our only viable function in an artificial tomorrow is as the eternal caretakers of memory and imagination.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
16 May 2026
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Does my insurance cover a mechanical breakdown?—
Christopher Elliott,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Noun
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Some argue that parking, sewer and garbage – the infrastructure designed for single-family homes – is being stretched too thin.—
Lee Cowan,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
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However, the playoffs have delivered over and over to viewers and rewarded us for putting up with garbage regular-season games.—
David Troy,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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The lawsuit also alleged Cameron’s actions were hypocritical of his films’ messaging and detailed public backlash Cameron and the films faced for its depictions of Native groups.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Seems extremely hypocritical, no?—
Ian Miller OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Trash pickup Chris Barnett, Orion Township supervisor, said residents of his community will be allowed to place more bagged trash outside at their next Waste Management pickup day to help handle overflow rubbish from paper plates, etc.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
12 May 2026
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From the Japanese point of view, leaving rubbish piled up in a stadium would be a bother to others.—
Stephen Wade,
Chicago Tribune,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Even if the stakes feel contrived, just enjoy watching two of the game’s greats go at it with a little something on the line, no matter how fleeting the feeling may be.—
Tim Rohan,
NBC news,
14 Apr. 2026
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Such strong characterizations and go-for-broke performances, especially among the women, make up for some decidedly contrived plotting.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
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If the holes appear shallow, then they could be made by squirrels, looking for places to store nuts, or by skunks and raccoons, digging for grubs.—
Joan Morris,
Mercury News,
18 May 2026
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Some foods - like whole grains, kale, nuts and seeds - are good sources of insoluble fiber, which helps keep digestion moving.—
Maria Godoy,
NPR,
18 May 2026
Adjective
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Fans saw the result last year on Christmas Eve, when all three games were either meaningless or close to it, featuring just one playoff team.—
Bobby Burack OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
11 May 2026
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Nurse spoke before Game 5 against the Celtics about adjustments being meaningless, considering the lack of energy his team brought to Game 4.—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Claptrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claptrap. Accessed 19 May. 2026.
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