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
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Example Sentences
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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
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The sound of children playing has given way to the rattle of helium balloons clinging to the memorial for 11-year-old QueenEr’Re Reed.—
Cameron Knight,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
8 Mar. 2026
-
If your current carry-on rattles, tips, or barely survives a weekend away, consider this your sign.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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As the night progressed, cocktail glasses continued to clink while a tasty île flottante dessert made its way to each table.—
Avon Dorsey,
Vogue,
17 Feb. 2026
Noun
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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
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In between the clacking tiles and competitive banter, the game allows for conversation and relaxation.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
1 Mar. 2026
-
The nails are clacking on the floor.—
Sergio Candido,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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On Friday night, three people were taken into custody amid a clash between pro-Iranian regime demonstrators, who erected a shrine to the slain Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei, the former supreme leader of Iran, and anti-Khamenei protesters at Washington Square Park.—
Rebecca White,
New York Daily News,
7 Mar. 2026
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The recent developments evoke the clash of civilizations theory developed by Samuel Huntington in the 1990s.—
Debidatta A. Mahapatra,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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When the controversy happened, Kelly was already on a yellow card, having been cautioned earlier in the game for clattering into Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara.—
Steve Madeley,
New York Times,
27 Feb. 2026
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His father was a wheeler-dealer who lived by quick wits and the sweat of his brow, dabbling in bootlegged sake, swine farming, loan sharking, and later pachinko parlors—Japan’s ubiquitous low-stakes gambling game of clattering steel ball bearings.—
Charlie Campbell,
Time,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Only 40 guests were invited to the wedding, including John’s cousin Anthony Radziwill (who served as his best man); John’s sister, Caroline Kennedy (Carolyn’s matron of honour), and her husband, Edwin Schlossberg; and their kids, Jack (the ring bearer), Rose and Tatiana (both flower girls).—
Radhika Seth,
Vogue,
7 Mar. 2026
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The next thing the victim remembered after the restaurant was waking up completely naked in Steffens’ bed with a bright ring light shining at them and a laptop on the bed, almost like the room was set up for filming, the victim told police.—
Lauren Penington,
Denver Post,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Match the chirping birds and cheerier moods with a fun, fresh manicure.—
Christina Perrier,
InStyle,
27 Feb. 2026
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Their exasperation with the officiating left the hosts chirping more at the officials than their rivals.—
Benjamin Royer,
Oc Register,
23 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clank. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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