variants
also clapt
as in slapped
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
Relevance
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 clapped
Before taking a seat, Doncic turned back toward Redick as reserve forward Jarred Vanderbilt stood up and clapped as if cheering on the Lakers to get in between his teammate and his coach.
—
Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026
The entire flight clapped and cheered.
—Emma Graham, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
Anderson waved and clapped his hands to get the big man’s attention and direct him to the corner.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026
Other people clapped and cheered when supporters of the resolution spoke during the public comments section of the meeting, which was held after the resolution was tabled.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
The crowd — representing a wide range of backgrounds and languages — clapped along and filmed on their phones, clearly enjoying it.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
Light shows lit up bridges and skyscrapers as the fireworks went off and crowds clapped in rhythm to live pop music performances.
—Ken Moritsugu, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Light shows lit up bridges and skyscrapers as the fireworks went off and crowds clapped in rhythm to live pop music performances.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Throughout the meeting, people in attendance clapped, responded to comments being made by council members, and at times prompted Ross to order attendees to quiet down.
—Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026
Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 3 Mar. 2026
The entire flight clapped and cheered.
—Emma Graham, CNBC, 3 Mar. 2026
Anderson waved and clapped his hands to get the big man’s attention and direct him to the corner.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 2026
Other people clapped and cheered when supporters of the resolution spoke during the public comments section of the meeting, which was held after the resolution was tabled.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American Statesman, 23 Feb. 2026
The crowd — representing a wide range of backgrounds and languages — clapped along and filmed on their phones, clearly enjoying it.
—Rachel Treisman, NPR, 19 Feb. 2026
Light shows lit up bridges and skyscrapers as the fireworks went off and crowds clapped in rhythm to live pop music performances.
—Ken Moritsugu, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2026
Light shows lit up bridges and skyscrapers as the fireworks went off and crowds clapped in rhythm to live pop music performances.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Throughout the meeting, people in attendance clapped, responded to comments being made by council members, and at times prompted Ross to order attendees to quiet down.
—Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clapped
Verb
-
The administration has also slapped tariffs on some specific products, including steel, lumber, and cars.—
Christopher Rugaber,
Fortune,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The ingredients aren’t random cocktail names slapped onto standard drinks — they’re built to match the films.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Something that really smacked me in the mouth is taxes.—
Carly Thomas,
HollywoodReporter,
13 Mar. 2026
-
In the opening minutes of the game, Victor Wembanyama drove in transition on Sam Hauser and got smacked in the nose and mouth, going down in pain for an extended period.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
One victim was knocked unconscious for several seconds, while another was surrounded and attacked.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Dallas has knocked Colorado out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs three times this decade — in the COVID-19 bubble tournament of 2020, then again in each of the past two years.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Zardari slammed the government in Kabul.—
MUNIR AHMED,
Arkansas Online,
15 Mar. 2026
-
Several people were hospitalized after a car slammed into the rear of another vehicle in front of the Aura nightclub in Kansas City’s midtown, and police suspect impairment was a factor, a police spokeswoman said.—
Robert A. Cronkleton
March 14,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
And drummer Josh Freese, who returned to Nine Inch Nails last year after Foo Fighters dropped him for NIN’s previous drummer, Ilan Rubin, banged a percussion solo long enough for his bandmates to rush and join him on the main stage.—
Peter Larsen,
Oc Register,
12 Mar. 2026
-
On Tuesday, Freeny banged for loose balls and rebounds and helped limit Cornhuskers’ guard Pryce Sandfort to nine points on nine field-goal attempts.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The senior was even more delighted to add a championship hat to her new collection after winning the Big East Tournament, and the team gave her the honor of placing the logo sticker on the NCAA Tournament ticket poster that officially punched UConn’s bid.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Witnesses recorded a video of Barranco screaming in pain as four agents piled on top of him and punched him during the arrest.—
Luzdelia Caballero,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The mobile margarita bar in an an old VW van was an Instagram hit - and served a pretty perfect cocktail.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
14 Mar. 2026
-
The Big 12 player of the year hit the game-winner from the right side — while also falling to his right with the Cyclones’ Killyan Toure closely guarding.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Ulta Beauty shares are getting whacked this morning, down over 7%.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
13 Mar. 2026
-
Jeff whacked it on the head, then ripped a gill.—
Kim Cross,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clapped.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clapped. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
