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
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Recent Examples of clap
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
The crowd, quietening into a slow clap with the moment building, burst into a celebration.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Jenessa Connor, Health, 30 Dec. 2025
The mother is lifted over the edge shortly after, and onlookers clap and cheer.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Noun
Stewart said to massive claps from the audience.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
The crowd, quietening into a slow clap with the moment building, burst into a celebration.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
Jump up to standing and clap your hands overhead.
—Jenessa Connor, Health, 30 Dec. 2025
The mother is lifted over the edge shortly after, and onlookers clap and cheer.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
Noun
-
These changes, as well as, wearing bangs were a major key to keeping her edges strong.—
Essence,
Essence,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Here are two Arizona ski resorts that will get you the most bang for your buck this season.—
Paige Moore,
AZCentral.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The windshield repels the huddled form and the thump on the pavement sounds like a rebuke.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The result is that the sonic boom becomes a sonic thump of 60 dB to 80 dB, or about that of a car door closing for those on the ground.—
David Szondy
October 28,
New Atlas,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Five players were booked during their defeat to Cameroon, including Foster, who slapped the linesman’s hand twice and screamed in his face in frustration over a decision.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Mimicking what happened seven years earlier after the Dallas playoff win in Charlotte, the players ran back outside and took a lap around the stadium, slapping hands with delirious home fans.—
Scott Fowler,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The industry must continue addressing issues like equitable access, over-commercialization, and ensuring that the original advocates of legalization benefit from the boom.—
Amplified Content Studio,
Mercury News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Then, yellow, and boom—I was stuck.—
Victoria Mejicanos,
Time,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In the next game, Bishop delivered a blow to Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins over the middle that temporarily put him out of the game.—
Dan Pompei,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Moreno and his colleagues believe there is a small window in which to strike a deal and have proposed a longer period for open enrollment to soften the blow of premium increases.—
David Sivak,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
But, every once in a while, I’ll get smacked in the face by one.—
Alphonse Pierre,
Pitchfork,
6 Nov. 2025
-
An arrest warrant has been issued for a high school football player accused of intentionally smacking one of his opponents on the head at their game, according to investigators in North Florida.—
Mark Price,
Miami Herald,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed by two workers, a resident and a contractor at the nursing home, who were injured in the blast, according to Fox affiliate WTXF and NBC affiliate WCAU.—
Abigail Adams,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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The leader of these superheroes rips off his protective visor and unleashes a catastrophic optic blast.—
Nick Romano,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
And then, when Stafford and Rodgers and the Titans said no thanks, Schoen landed with a thud on … Russell Wilson.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The Panthers’ run game ended the 2025 regular season with a thud.—
Mike Kaye
Updated January 7,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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