1
as in bangs
a loud explosive sound
a clap of thunder that woke the whole house up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in thumps
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 slaps
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 claps
Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025
Detroit Pistons team owner Tom Gores claps during the press conference on July 30, 2021 at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit, Michigan.
—Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024
When the camera zooms in on Haines, the gnat can be seen buzzing around above her head (as evidenced in Entertainment Weekly's extremely serious investigative photos below) before Goldberg launches her military action and claps her hands while Haines speaks.
—EW.com, 3 Oct. 2024
As the crowd claps, Robert stares at Yas.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 29 Sep. 2024
Verb
Green claps along, and is visibly impressed when Freeman hits that signature high note.
—Rebecca Angel Baer, Southern Living, 3 Jan. 2025
Detroit Pistons team owner Tom Gores claps during the press conference on July 30, 2021 at the Pistons Performance Center in Detroit, Michigan.
—Michael Ozanian, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2024
When the camera zooms in on Haines, the gnat can be seen buzzing around above her head (as evidenced in Entertainment Weekly's extremely serious investigative photos below) before Goldberg launches her military action and claps her hands while Haines speaks.
—EW.com, 3 Oct. 2024
As the crowd claps, Robert stares at Yas.
—Nick Caruso, TVLine, 29 Sep. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for claps
Verb
-
Snow White hits theaters on March 21.—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
15 Mar. 2025
-
When the biggest name in the sport jumps teams, a tsunami hits.—
Olivia Hicks,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Employers today want people who can roll with the punches, adapt to different work setups, and thrive in any environment.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
-
Employers today want people who can roll with the punches, adapt to different work setups, and thrive in any environment.—
Sho Dewan,
Forbes,
26 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But Wesley slams off the tape right then and there, and later side-eyes Graham in the break room.—
Matt Webb Mitovich,
TVLine,
7 Jan. 2025
-
Out of the blue, Ian attacks the man and slams a dagger into his heart.—
Lincee Ray,
EW.com,
4 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The current cap is 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.—
Chris Woodward,
Boston Herald,
1 Apr. 2025
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Learning Resources has about 10,000 molds, weighing collectively more than 5 million pounds, in China.—
Paul Wiseman and Anne D’Innocenzio,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Claps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claps. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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