CLAPPING Synonyms: 157 Similar and Opposite Words

clapping 1 of 2

noun

as in cheering

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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

That’s after festival director Alberto Barbera tried to extend the clapping by telling the cast to move up on the stairs inside the Palazzo del Cinema, where the screening was held. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026 First, the Huskies mixed it up with some marching band members on the practice field outside of Huskie Stadium, jumping in on a routine and exchanging fight songs, with the players chanting, clapping and pumping their fists during their version. — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Jackson and Esme stood next to each other clapping for their mom while Sarah could be seen snapping photos off to the side. — Entertainment Weekly, 25 Aug. 2026 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

Verb

The film’s sombre tone and subject matter likely put a damper on the Lido crowd’s reaction, but the movie was well received, with the audience rising for a standing ovation, clapping warmly for four minutes. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026 Firefighters who weren’t yet being deployed lined the route to the tarmac, hooting and clapping and giving high fives. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Pocic immediately started clapping, and Ravens offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford rushed over to celebrate with him. — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 While clapping during the awards ceremony, she got slightly carried away with her celebration. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 24 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clapping

Noun

But as the vehicle sprints into the sky, the only thing audible at first will be the cheering of people around you.

— Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 8 Sep. 2026
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

Definition of cheering

Verb

At the weigh-ins and face-off for the IBF heavyweight championship fight, Itauma shoved Hrgovic off the stage and the latter retaliated by slapping the former's face.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Already, Skubal’s joining in on pregame handshake lines and slapping the dugout railing in time to Roki Sasaki’s warm-up music.

— Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of slapping

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

There were tears, rounds of roaring applause and many famous faces in the audience.

— David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026
The university's band, cheerleaders and spirit squads marched through the North Shore, drawing applause and photos from fans lining the streets.

— Gabby Sartori, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026

Definition of applause

Verb

There are several clips of him striking blockers, knocking people backward and disengaging from blocks.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026
Shah says the brands that typically paid closer attention to these rankings are the ones that came knocking on KCD’s door first for AI visibility metrics.

— Amy O’Brien, Vogue, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of knocking

Verb

Stanley is accused of blocking Rajabi’s car with his body, punching Rajabi’s window and resisting arrest.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
An Arkansas State Police trooper was captured on dashcam footage yanking the passenger of a vehicle by his hair and punching him in the face after a high-speed chase that ended in the streets of Blytheville.

— Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 31 Aug. 2026