1
as in ovation
enthusiastic and usually public expression of approval
a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accolade
public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement
a heroic effort by the fire department that deserves the applause of everyone in the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of applause
As the lengthy process came to a close and her election was confirmed, Mullally stood and faced the congregation to loud applause.
—
Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
As Coretta stepped away from the podium to thunderous applause, Bayard Rustin embraced her.
—Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
The vote was met by applause and 'thank you' shouts from neighbors in opposition to the project in the audience.
—Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
The moment drew intense applause.
—Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for applause
Danica Kirka, Los Angeles Times, 28 Jan. 2026
As Coretta stepped away from the podium to thunderous applause, Bayard Rustin embraced her.
—Literary Hub, 27 Jan. 2026
The vote was met by applause and 'thank you' shouts from neighbors in opposition to the project in the audience.
—Ashley Sharp, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
The moment drew intense applause.
—Zareen Syed, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for applause
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applause
Noun
-
In his final professional game in Chicago, Michael Jordan received a four-minute standing ovation during player introductions.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Jan. 2026
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There were tears, cheers, a few standing ovations (for Michelle Satter and Amy Redford), a surprise performance by Patti LuPone, and a slew of awards presented during a nearly three-hour fundraiser held at Grand Hyatt Deer Valley in Park City, Utah.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Chalamet has counted a Critics Choice Award, Palm Springs International Film Festival award and a nomination at the upcoming Actor Awards among his accolades for Marty Supreme (all one year after earning the same nods for playing Bob Dylan in 2024’s A Complete Unknown).—
Jack Smart,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
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The volume was eventually reprinted in the Modern Library—an accolade that greatly pleased its author.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
On Friday, the images in all their glory were released to the press (see below), showing Mescal as Paul McCartney, Dickinson as John Lennon, Quinn as George Harrison and Keoghan as Ringo Starr on set.—
Lily Ford,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Jan. 2026
-
Cumming holds up his iPhone to the camera, proudly boasting about still-unseen looks in all their campy and ridiculous glory.—
Jonathan Borge,
InStyle,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
One of that Courier’s founders won acclaim from his peers for his tenure as dean of the University of Maryland’s journalism school.—
Colin Lecher,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Jan. 2026
-
In 1994, Chinese-American actress Vivian Wu garnered critical acclaim after appearing in The Joy Luck Club.—
Kevin Huynh,
InStyle,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Credit card issuers caution that any American with a credit score under 740, which is far above the national average, would likely have their card eliminated or their credit limit slashed.—
Matthew Kandrach,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Inadequate investigative staffing, reluctance to credit inmate testimony, and weak disciplinary processes allowed misconduct to persist.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
One that is more spiritually rewarding than praise or criticism in scouting reports.—
Mirin Fader,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Here in the United States, the writer and filmmaker Mike Judge has garnered praise over the course of his career for getting laughs out of broken systems and absurd ignorance in American culture.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
An honor council, comprised of administrators, teachers, and members of the student government, would sit in judgment on cases of alleged cheating.—
Nell Freudenberger,
Harpers Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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Although the name and separate unit were more likely signs of antisemitism than respect, the group wore the distinction as a badge of honor, Grymes said.—
Liz Rothaus Bertrand,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applause. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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