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

But most of this energy price escalation stems from Joe Biden’s anti-fossil-energy, Green New Deal nonsense.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 5 Nov. 2026
The bloc also roped Canada into this nonsense, and recently asked Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to dial the generosity up a notch, according to Politico.

— Rachel Marsden, Hartford Courant, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of nonsense

Adjective

Led by scientists at Southern Medical University in Guangzhou, the team investigated a kind of bone cell that detects mechanical forces, known as osteocytes.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
With composites, thermal cycling and mechanical strain can cause cracking, exacerbating losses of molecular hydrogen.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Adjective

The fine was controversial to begin with, as fans and pundits pointed out the NFL’s business with beer sponsors such as Bud Light and called the sensitivity over the celebration hypocritical.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
In his appeal, Juszczyk also argued that fining players for pretending to drink beer was hypocritical given the NFL’s beer sponsorships.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of hypocritical

Noun

The robots are expected to handle several tasks, including stocking and organizing shelves, preparing coffee and hot food, greeting customers, and clearing rubbish.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Voters on Wednesday will elect councilors, who will then choose mayors to oversee municipal services, including water, sanitation and rubbish collection.

— ABC News, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of rubbish

Adjective

Its frothy, pastel hues and single moment of contrived levity (when one dance claims a trumpet solo for a joke about jamming her toe) is one of those quintessential examples of Balanchine’s repertoire showing its age.

— Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
More bills in the G-string, like winning, like a casino, chance but something deeper, more contrived.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of contrived

Noun

Research shows that people who eat more nuts tend to have a lower risk of various heart diseases and of dying from a stroke as compared to people who don’t eat nuts often.

— Mark Gurarie, HEALTH, 4 Nov. 2026
Focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods—especially fresh produce, whole grains, nuts, and legumes.

— Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of nuts

Adjective

The chief said that for the families of murder victims, homicide trends are meaningless.

— Dan Morse, Washington Post, 5 Nov. 2026
The Commanders sacked Tanner McKee five times and intercepted him once while holding the Eagles to 268 yards — just 199 before the meaningless final drive.

— CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026