as in rattle
the loud sound made when metal strikes metal
the car is making a funny clank, and this can't be good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 clank
Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
In the big, anonymous hotel, the air-conditioning kicked on with a startling clank.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Denver fails to strike first as Wil Lutz clanks the right upright on the 44-yard try.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Noun
The tables were empty and the bar deserted, the only sign of life the clank and swish of dishes being washed in the back, through the swinging double doors.
—Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
In the big, anonymous hotel, the air-conditioning kicked on with a startling clank.
—Literary Hub, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
Kicker Eddy Piñeiro missed his first field goal with the 49ers when a 64-yard attempt clanked off the crossbar as the first half expired.
—Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 23 Dec. 2025
Denver fails to strike first as Wil Lutz clanks the right upright on the 44-yard try.
—Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 21 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clank
Noun
-
The snake struck and shook its tail to protect itself, releasing its notorious rattle warning.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Most people initially become aware of the reptiles by hearing their rattles, which the snakes use to try to scare off aggressors or to distract prey.—
Gary Robbins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
As the bullet weight clinks and clacks along the bottom, bass will key in on your rig and follow it.—
Derek Horner,
Outdoor Life,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Paveletzke drove straight down the middle of the court for a would-be game-winner … but Suder, who struggled offensively most of the night, met him at the rim and went straight up defensively, forcing Paveletzke’s running layup to clink off the front rim.—
Brendan Marks,
New York Times,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In front of us was the end of the line where the tram would come to a stop with its own special lively clang.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
In a video that has since gone viral, Strelow's teammates are seen clapping when a clang can be heard.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Sticks clacked in quick succession as passes moved up the ice.—
Panashe Matemba-Mutasa,
Mercury News,
11 Mar. 2026
-
In between the clacking tiles and competitive banter, the game allows for conversation and relaxation.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
All three judges scored it 98-92 for the 29-year-old Briton, who sustained cuts over both eyes from head clashes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
And the clash of ideologies must now be balanced on the backs of many hardworking people trying to keep their children out of institutional care and on the Medicaid providers that support them.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In the 80th minute, with the score 2-2, a Polish corner clattered around the Swedish box.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
During the fight, a knife clattered onto the subway car’s floor, cops said.—
Thomas Tracy,
New York Daily News,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Water plants thoroughly and apply 1 to 2 inches of mulch, leaving a small ring around the trunk free of mulch.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Straight lines running over the moon’s surface; concentric rings that look like companion coffee-cup rings.—
Rebecca Boyle,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On a recent morning, birds chirped and hopped from tree to tree under a clear blue morning sky as a man in a respirator and protective earmuffs worked on what remained of Vazquez’s property, which was fenced off from the street.—
Fedor Zarkhin,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Ryan Reaves — arguably the NHL’s toughest fighter through his career — was recently chirped by a teammate two decades younger than him for turning 39.—
Dan Robson,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clank. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
