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 Stephen Curry, who was in attendance alongside multiple Warriors teammates, stood and applauded the stunning long-range shot alongside a sellout crowd of 18,064 fans in Ballhalla. — Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 18 Aug. 2026 Republican Terrell County Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland applauded Commissioner Scott’s decision to halt construction. — Laura Romero, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Your wife must love that poem and the acknowledgment of the disparity between how men are just, like, acknowledged and applauded for just being a father out in public with their kids and the way women are just expected to be that way. — Terry Gross, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 While fans applauded the spectacle, Parrish dusted himself off and returned to mid-field. — Abby Disalvo, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applaud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applaud
  1. praise
  2. hail
  3. commend
  4. salute
Verb
  • The scholar of religion Friedrich Max Müller (1823–1900) noticed that many Vedic hymns praise different deities using the same superlatives and ascribe to them the same mythological feats.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Head coach Willie Simmons praised his team’s athleticism and talent through fall camp, while emphasizing the X’s and O’s with the season opener approaching.
    — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Similar court decisions have happened across several Chinese cities and are being hailed as victories for workers’ rights.
    — Jennifer Pak, NPR, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s response during the 2023 shooting at The Covenant School was hailed as an example of training successfully put to use.
    — Cindy Von Quednow, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of hail
Verb
  • Pawsitive Tails Dog Rescue posted on Facebook commending the work of volunteers who banded together to care for the dogs.
    — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The music department, as well as Courcol’s lively directing and writing, must be commended for scenes of the brass ensemble playing and rehearsing, in a constantly dynamic interaction with dialogue.
    — Caspar Salmon, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Her restaurant, Pomona, will salute the fruit during the fest with a special menu of mango spare ribs, mango ceviche and mango pork-belly cups that will be available for purchase.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • On Wednesday, several former Davis band members — including pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and saxophonist Kenny Garrett — will salute his music at a Hollywood Bowl concert.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 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 29 Aug. 2026.

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