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
Lisa Wood Shapiro, Wired News, 5 Oct. 2025
One photo showed a group shot of the rapper and his friends clanking beer glasses.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 24 Sep. 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
In November my radiators clanked along, blasting my 100-plus-year-old Brooklyn apartment with heat.
—Lisa Wood Shapiro, Wired News, 5 Oct. 2025
One photo showed a group shot of the rapper and his friends clanking beer glasses.
—Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clank
Noun
-
The gift basket included items such as a rattle, books, swaddles, and a blanket, along with other essentials for new parents.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Silver engraving, masks, totem poles, rattles, prints.—
Kerry Breen,
CBS News,
16 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
So the pair took a romp through wine country for Christina’s birthday, clinking glasses at Progeny Winery in Napa Valley and Restoration Hardware in Yountville.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Jan. 2026
-
Later on, the younger kids in bed, a gathering of lawn chairs, clinking ice, and summer crickets or cicadas, frogs, whatever, Ray, what is that?—
David Searcy,
Harpers Magazine,
30 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
The blow further inflamed Webster, who raised his flagpole into the air and swung it down repeatedly in a chopping motion, hitting the barricade with a loud clang.—
Jamie Thompson,
The Atlantic,
6 Jan. 2026
-
In the footage, distant headlights can be seen pulling up to the statue’s location, followed moments later by screeching tires and a metallic clang.—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
21 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
With tour groups of kids laughing, heels clacking, gavels slamming as leaders bring lawmakers to order.—
Rachel E. Stassen-Berger,
Des Moines Register,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Emily said the sound of the keys clacking still resonates today, per ABC.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The clashes have since descended into an all-out civil war, characterized by ethnic violence, attacks on civilians and atrocities committed by all sides, according to humanitarian groups and foreign governments.—
ByGuy Davies,
ABC News,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Iranian state television aired images of clashes and fires, while the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that several police officers were killed overnight, underscoring the increasingly violent nature of the confrontations.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
As David tried to control the flames, silverware clattered to the floor, and in an effort to save the flaming cake, Ann put it onto a wicker chair.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
27 Dec. 2025
-
People talk over music, clattering plates, and dozens of overlapping conversations in crowded rooms.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Salt dries into white rings, while melting snow can cause uneven water stains that stiffen leather, dull suede, and discolor fabric.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
-
The resort's Instagram post features a clip of the moment, capturing Van Camp's shocked reaction to dropping the ring.—
Erin Clack,
PEOPLE,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But images of those youthful frolics amid chirping children quickly slips behind me, muted by my puffing, labored breaths and the blanket of snow.—
Thomas Cangelosi,
Hartford Courant,
4 Jan. 2026
-
Had Steve Smith been fit and available to play, then the 31-year-old would have been patrolling another part of the field; maybe busying himself in the covers, or chirping away from under a lid at short leg.—
Tim Spiers,
New York Times,
21 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clank. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share