1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
gave the stubborn handle a solid clout to make it turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in influence
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
has a great deal of clout in the film industry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to punch
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
clouted the nail with the hammer and drove it all the way into the wood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clout
Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
On the right, Tucker Carlson has repeatedly asserted that Buttigieg only pretends to be gay, and is in fact a straight man faking homosexuality for political clout.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
The recall was widely seen as a litmus test for how much clout the national conservative group can wield in non-partisan local politics.
—Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clout
Noun
There are significant obstacles, experts say, mainly because Díaz-Canel is also the first secretary of Cuba’s Communist Party, which carries symbolic clout.
—Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
On the right, Tucker Carlson has repeatedly asserted that Buttigieg only pretends to be gay, and is in fact a straight man faking homosexuality for political clout.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 3 Mar. 2026
Verb
Pellegrino, a 6-foot-3 forward who’s nearly devoid of body fat and brims with energy, clouted the ball out the air for the third goal and ran toward the supporters section, raising the crowd’s volume.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
The recall was widely seen as a litmus test for how much clout the national conservative group can wield in non-partisan local politics.
—Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clout
Noun
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The final blow came in the 70th minute with Sveindís Jónsdóttir’s run down the left flank, setting up Miahara Niehues, making a late run in the middle, for the finish.—
Damian Calhoun,
Daily News,
16 Mar. 2026
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Hot tools are big and bulky, and most hotels provide some sort of blow dryer.—
Rylee Johnston,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The lieutenant governor’s victory is also a win for Pritzker, with her Democratic primary serving as an early test of the governor’s national influence.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Mar. 2026
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Trump has since sought to exert his influence over the country and acting President Delcy Rodríguez.—
Kyle Feldscher,
CNN Money,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The man briefly tumbles to the ground after attempting to punch York.—
Edward Segarra,
USA Today,
17 Mar. 2026
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In early January 2025, police were called to the Aliquippa VFW when Ours was accused of repeatedly punching and strangling another man, later identified as Preston Coleman.—
Mike Darnay,
CBS News,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The year 2000 was a good one for world-dominating rap singles that landed like an open palm slap to the jaw.—
Dash Lewis,
Pitchfork,
14 Mar. 2026
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Will Smith’s onstage slap of Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars is the obvious example.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Betts has always gotten the most out of his athleticism, making up for his small frame (he is listed at 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds) with exceptional use of leverage in his swing and elite hand-eye coordination.—
Bill Plunkett,
Oc Register,
16 Mar. 2026
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Neutralizing Kharg’s military assets helps the United States clear the Strait of Hormuz while preserving, for now, the regime’s economic artery as strategic leverage.—
Richard Goldberg,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2026
Verb
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But a leadoff walk in the top of the 9th allowed Eugenio Suárez to knock in what would prove to be the winning run, smacking a double to left center field and scoring pinch runner Javier Sonoja.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
18 Mar. 2026
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So, each got smacked with a Stop Sale.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The Ambeo Mini comes with six drivers, including two four-inch woofers that push bass down to 43Hz, creating theater-quality thump without needing a separate subwoofer.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
13 Mar. 2026
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There was a sudden, loud thump, and Bernie Watermolen brought us awake with a yell that was enough to raise the dead.—
Doris DeCleene,
Outdoor Life,
25 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The reason why Iran has such sway over fossil fuels has to do with a quirk of geology.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
12 Mar. 2026
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He was given immense sway in the organization, including influence over roster decisions, and endorsed a push for more size and less finesse throughout the lineup.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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