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

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 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

Anyway, Cunningham faced a ton of nonsense from the onset, mainly from the crowd.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Aug. 2026
No Instagram gimmicks, no fusion nonsense, just the best version of something that sounds simple but isn't.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

Definition of nonsense

Adjective

Pushing high-speed lines through deep water barriers demonstrates mechanical durability and precision control.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 July 2026
Berto’s marketing exec Andrea de Fatima Facchin said the mill began to develop fabrics with Banantex in 2024 after being drawn to the next-generation material’s environmental integrity and superior mechanical properties.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 30 July 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

Amendments placed on the ballot by lawmakers would still need only a statewide majority — a distinction critics call hypocritical.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
The public is equally free to find the position ridiculous and hypocritical, and choose to support other leagues that better represent their feelings.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 July 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

The look manages to be on trend without being too contrived.

— Selene Oliva, Glamour, 12 June 2026
Whereas Heineman’s film used its incredible access to the central couple to capture moments that come across as beautifully and uncomfortably intimate and unstaged, Bergh (The Greatest Love Story Never Told) uses his access to make everything pretty and entirely too contrived.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 9 June 2026

Definition of contrived

Noun

Add in the textural blend of crunch from the nuts and chewy from the pineapple, and this has quickly become my go-to midday desk snack.

— Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026
Nearly half of the country’s vegetables and more than three-quarters of its fruits and nuts come from California, according to the state.

— Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026

Definition of nuts

Adjective

But that pledge does little to address the creation of deepfakes themselves, and is meaningless without digital tools that make detecting deepfakes possible.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026
The show also underscores the frustration of meaningless tasks, mirroring widespread disengagement when work lacks clear purpose.

— Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026