CLAPPING Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

clapping 1 of 2

noun

as in cheering

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

clapping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of clap

as in slapping

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of clapping

Noun

The boos were more scattered and barely audible amidst the applause and cheers, which grew louder when the ballpark’s video boards showed the 2018 champ smiling, clapping, and waving from the visitors’ dugout. — Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 Later in the service, the choir would sing a foot-stomping, hand-clapping rendition of a gospel song that set the tone for the preacher to follow with his gospel message. — Bea L. Hines, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026 Fans, who flooded the comments section showering her with clapping-hands and heart emojis, won't have to wait long to see the sportscaster in her new role. — Paris Close, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 The crowd lustily makes known its approval, clapping and cheering and spilling out of the park and through the woods comparing favorite tracks and excitedly talking about the set. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 By the second set, the crowd was on its feet, dancing and clapping. — Marin Independent Journal, Mercury News, 25 July 2026 Please order her not to roll her eyes at my cheering and clapping. — John Hodgman, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Soon after, cheering and clapping filled the auditorium before the man mimicking the president stood up, holding a sign for TrumpAccounts. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 Trump stayed put, however, clapping and smiling until Rodri thrusted the trophy skyward and gold confetti shot from cannons behind them to officially start the celebration. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026

Verb

His routine includes strolling toward the mound and sometimes clapping his hands before taking the baseball. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 The sweet video showed Diplo clapping his hands and dancing behind his laptop and speakers, before the camera panned out to show the youngsters. — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 Syrians gathered around the court in Damascus, chanting, clapping and waving the Syrian flag as news of the sentences spread. — Kinda Makieh, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The teams were the townspeople, clapping for a wardrobe nobody could actually see. — Jeremy MacLiver, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Eala supporters flooded the main stadium this week during her matches waving Philippines flags, and sometimes even clapping for opponents missed serves (a tennis etiquette no-no). — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 2 Aug. 2026 As the room applauded, the president did not appear to be clapping. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026 The audience was clapping along, and Vergara and Cowell were even mouthing the words. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 This was not the first time this season the two-time All-Star has been seen clapping toward other players or officials during a game. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clapping

Noun

The crowd erupted, some cheering and others brought to tears, a collective wave of emotion rolling over us as the sky went dark.

— Annissa Durar, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026
The kitchen men restarted their cheering as if someone in there was doing stage magic, and Uncle Jimmy leaned closer so he could be heard.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of cheering

Verb

Lionel Messi was fined by MLS for lightly slapping Union attacker Quinn Sullivan.

— Matt Piper, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Universities are not just slapping corporate logos on uniforms and facilities but building entertainment districts that can be lucrative far beyond game days.

— ABC News, ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of slapping

Noun

It was immediately preceded Friday by the California premiere of composer and saxophonist Steven Banks’ to be free, a stirring, deeply felt tribute to Nina Simone that was co-commissioned by La Jolla Music Society.

— George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
Those boos gave way to cheers when the Red Sox played a 90-second tribute video after the bottom of the first.

— Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of tribute

Verb

Carrington was ejected from the game in the first half after smacking Cunningham across the face during Cunningham's layup attempt.

— Jackson Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Catcher Daniel Susac followed up Wednesday’s two-home-run game by smacking a two-run shot, and the Giants bullpen didn’t break down while protecting a 4-1 victory.

— Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2026

Definition of smacking

Noun

One of the more surreal responses to that experience is applause, which ripples through the audience of Paranormal Activity a beat after all the major scares, like rain settling in after a peal of thunder.

— Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Yadkin board’s moratorium decision was met by applause from the packed room.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of applause

Noun

Pfeiffer received critical acclaim for her TV performances this year in Apple TV’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles and Paramount+’s The Madison.

— Mariel Turner, HollywoodReporter, 21 Aug. 2026
Anderson has garnered critical and mainstream acclaim in recent years thanks to dramatic and comedic turns including The Last Showgirl — which got her a Golden Globe nomination — and the Naked Gun reboot from Paramount.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of acclaim

Verb

Alaves' Ángel Pérez was reprimanded by coach Quique Sánchez Flores after being substituted and punching the bench several times.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2026
According to court documents, the phone contained videos of Ayres assaulting Dunn repeatedly, at one point punching her in the face.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 15 Aug. 2026