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
Nbc News, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Lots of claps all around, as production in the area is still down significantly over five-year averages.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Paul Schwartzman, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2026
The cheerleaders shriek and clap loudly as the women of Sunrise run to center stage, ready to shine.
—Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
Noun
Gac got the crowd going a bit at the Milan Ice Skating Arena, with their drum-heavy track drawing a clap-along from the stands.
—Nbc News, NBC news, 11 Feb. 2026
Lots of claps all around, as production in the area is still down significantly over five-year averages.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
Verb
The Takoma Park, Maryland, mayor’s order that people not clap during a public meeting led to insults and even a poll.
—Paul Schwartzman, Washington Post, 28 Feb. 2026
The cheerleaders shriek and clap loudly as the women of Sunrise run to center stage, ready to shine.
—Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for clap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
Noun
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The acid test of whether California is getting bang for its taxpayers’ buck is the fact that former Californians have voted with their feet in droves.—
Jim Doti,
Oc Register,
8 Mar. 2026
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The bob with bangs A fringe adds extra interest to a blunt bob and wispy bangs are having a real moment right now.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
There was a sudden, loud thump, and Bernie Watermolen brought us awake with a yell that was enough to raise the dead.—
Doris DeCleene,
Outdoor Life,
25 Feb. 2026
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Pitchers and catchers report This week, Albernaz gets a glimpse of his pitching staff and catchers, before the thump of an offensive lineup joins the workouts.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
10 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Kiel grounded out to third base before Sorrell slapped a single to right field, but was caught trying to steal second base.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
Itoje was sin-binned in the 64th for illegally slapping the ball in a maul and 13 men were playing Italy's 15.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Yes, the custom AI chip designer has already seen incredible growth during this artificial intelligence boom.—
Zev Fima,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2026
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The fracking boom started in 2009, the first year growth after a decade of declining production.—
Chris Isidore,
CNN Money,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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And the loss of Amarion Dickerson, who would’ve been a key rotation piece, ended up being a major blow for a team that was counting on everyone at the top of the rotation to deliver.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
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His win in Istanbul in 2019 represented a crushing blow to Erdogan, whose own political ascent began as the city’s mayor.—
Beril Akman,
Bloomberg,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That one sits, like, smack in the middle of the park.—
Michael Deeds,
Idaho Statesman,
4 Mar. 2026
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Brent Burns set up Landeskog’s one-timer from the high slot on the heels of a strong burst by MacKinnon, who had smacked a one-timer of his own in off the rush following Kempe’s errant pass at the offensive blue line.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Hezbollah fired missiles deep into Israel, setting off air raid sirens in central Israel and its commercial hub Tel Aviv, as interception blasts sounded as far as Jerusalem.—
Thao Nguyen,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
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Liege police said that the blast outside the synagogue happened in the early hours of Monday morning.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Scream 4 landed with a thud upon release, but history has rescued its reputation among die-hards.—
Declan Gallagher,
Entertainment Weekly,
3 Mar. 2026
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The stack tilted, then dropped in one piece before striking the ground with a heavy thud.—
Sujita Sinha,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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