1
as in bang
a loud explosive sound
a clap of thunder that woke the whole house up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in thump
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
a sharp clap to the head of the disrespectful youth
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to slap
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
clapped him on the back as a friendly gesture
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of clap
Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
After the group clap, the session begins.
—PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
One 14 month old tester happily clapped and wiggled along to the songs—a feature that can be adjusted as needed.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Noun
Derek Hough responded with a single slow clap—his signature nod of approval.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025
After the group clap, the session begins.
—PC Magazine, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
Once the video ended, fans clapped and left the theater.
—Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 3 Oct. 2025
One 14 month old tester happily clapped and wiggled along to the songs—a feature that can be adjusted as needed.
—Pamela Brill, Parents, 2 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
Noun
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Stewart stepped out with choppy baby bangs and wavy, shoulder-length hair in her natural shade of brunette that harkens back to her Twilight days.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
17 Oct. 2025
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Lawrence debuted her above-the-brows bangs in September at the San Sebastián International Film Festival.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones are all about feeling every thump, and beat.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
13 Oct. 2025
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Another Boras client, Cody Bellinger, was nearing the end of his second season in Chicago, which did not deliver as much thump as his MVP-level 2023 campaign.—
Patrick Mooney,
New York Times,
9 Oct. 2025
Verb
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As the scrum disperses, D’Angelo turns to you and slaps you five.—
Touré,
Rolling Stone,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Violeta Santos Moura | Reuters Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent accused China of trying to weaken the global economy by slapping export controls on resources vital for technology.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But a combination of historic recent scientific breakthroughs, surging global energy demand, a boom in commercial fusion companies and billions of dollars of public and private investment now make the promise of fusion seem closer than ever.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
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The country’s listings market has had a busy few years, driven by a boom in domestic capital that has made up for foreign investors who pulled out in favor of China.—
Ben Smith,
semafor.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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That’s when Carr should be able to deliver the final blow against a USC defense that ranks among the Power 4’s worst against the pass.—
Pete Sampson,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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Experts say the collapse of the talks marks not only a significant blow for attempts to clean up a heavily climate-polluting industry, undermining decades of negotiations, but also represents yet another failure of climate diplomacy.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
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That conflict comes to a head in the middle of campus in the film’s most intense scene, as Alma verbally belittles and demeans her until Maggie snaps and suddenly smacks her mentor.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
15 Oct. 2025
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The previous year, another Hall of Famer, Dave Winfield, smacked the series-winning double in the top of the 11th inning of Game 6 against the Braves at old Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
15 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Vital witnesses were killed in the blast All 16 people inside the facility died in the blast, leaving behind a devastated network of coworkers and loved ones as well as depriving investigators of crucial accounts of the final moments leading up to the explosion.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
14 Oct. 2025
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Once the area is clear, authorities can start investigating what caused the blast, said Matthew Belew, acting special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).—
Greg Norman,
FOXNews.com,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The powerful primate makes contact with the glass wall with a heavy thud, which leaves the group near the wall gasping and yelping in fear.—
Escher Walcott,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
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Timpani, bass drums, and piano follow with a concussive thud.—
Alex Ross,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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