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 As the audience applauded, Stewart launched into his joking eulogy. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026 The American Peptide Association, which supports the peptide industry, applauded the new draft policy. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2026 Macklemore's defiant remarks drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users applauding his outspoken activism while others questioned his motives and accused him of being out of touch. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The fifth-round pick of the 2024 draft — applauded for his versatility this offseason and who made several plays in the preseason, including an interception — played exactly one defensive snap against the Bucs. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applaud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applaud
  1. praise
  2. hail
  3. commend
  4. salute
Verb
  • Trump praised O’Donnell’s positions on border security, taxes, and small businesses.
    — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The MobLand actor was very diplomatic in his answer, generously praising the field of young stars who are up for the part.
    — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Officials are set to meet in the next few weeks to determine whether that status—hailed for years as a symbol of excellence in public health—should be revised or eliminated.
    — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The Chofetz Chaim, who lived from 1838 to 1933 and whose sobriquet is the title of his first and most famous book, was widely hailed as the leading Jewish scholar of his generation.
    — Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of hail
Verb
  • San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky, after losing to the Senators on Saturday, called them the best team his team has faced all season, commending them for being fast, competitive and connected.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
  • It was not known why the anchor failed, but the heavy snowstorm was not a direct factor, according to the statement, which commended the college students for their love of the outdoors and preparation for the climbing trip.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Nov. 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Applaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applaud. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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