CLAPTRAP Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

claptrap 1 of 2

noun

ˈklap-ˌtrap

Definition of claptrap

as in nonsense

language, behavior, or ideas that are absurd and contrary to good sense the idea that you can get a cold from not dressing warmly is claptrap

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claptrap

2 of 2

adjective

as in mechanical

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of claptrap

Noun

Behavioral-analysis claptrap abounds. — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 The show is also virtually devoid of romantic escapades, a good thing since Dumas’ novel is filled with a lot of sentimental claptrap about fighting for defenseless women’s honor or seducing virtuous maidens or going to war due to the physical beauty of a monarch. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 This is Spielberg at his most pure and sensational, an undiluted cinematic experience that lacks any of his sentimental claptrap and steers clear of his tendency for multiple endings. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025 Many Red Sox fans have had it up to here with that building-for-the-future claptrap, so much so that expectations were scary low coming into the 2024 season. — Steve Buckley, The Athletic, 31 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for claptrap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for claptrap

Noun

The lyrics coalesced slowly, with McCartney filling the incomplete sections with nonsense phrases.

— Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Statham, who turned 59 this summer and is still in incredible shape, performs on his usual high-octane, no-time-for-nonsense level.

— Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of nonsense

Adjective

New drew his 72-pound Mathews VXR bow and sent a 125-grain mechanical two-blade Swhacker broadhead completely through the buck’s massive chest.

— Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 10 Sep. 2026
Its entire loop revolved around strategic mechanical dismemberment, a concept perfected all the way back in Ninja Gaiden 2, where maiming enemies directly fed into brutal instant finishers.

— Gabriel Zamora, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

There is something deeply hypocritical about discovering and using the language of women’s liberation only when your own status, reputation, or income is at stake.

— Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
That some people in these industries, including those who are well paid, would look at our economy and seek out other ways of doing things is neither hypocritical nor surprising.

— Tyler Austin Harper, The Atlantic, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of hypocritical

Noun

This comes at the expense of no movement in the wrist, but to be fair, having the lightsaber pointed in any other direction would look rubbish.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Only construction waste will be accepted at the landfill such as, brush and rubbish, concrete, brick, rock, wood, paper, plastics, cardboard and roofing shingles and tiles.

— Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 July 2026

Definition of rubbish

Adjective

An eventual big twist feels too trickily over-contrived to impress, or convince.

— Dennis Harvey, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
There was nothing particularly novel about the show’s premise, but the scripts were refreshingly dense with jokes, prioritizing laughs over contrived drama or seasonlong relationship arcs.

— Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of contrived

Noun

The Central Valley is known as America’s salad bowl, for its vast production fruits, vegetables and nuts that stock refrigerators and kitchen tables across America.

— ABC News, ABC News, 5 Sep. 2026
Many of California’s Asian American leaders have come through that boot camp, which provides training on the nuts-and-bolts of organizing, media relations, and messaging.

— Gene Maddaus, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026