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
Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
Katie Holmes doesn’t usually care about fashion clout, rarely jumping on microtrends that come and go at a moment's notice.
—Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 4 Jan. 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
Today, along with its clout as a recording studio, the soundstage is also a popular practice spot for artists for live shows.
—Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
Katie Holmes doesn’t usually care about fashion clout, rarely jumping on microtrends that come and go at a moment's notice.
—Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 4 Jan. 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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Additionally, hometown hero and skier Gus Kenworthy acts as host for the entire week, which features events like the blow-out White Party, a drag and burlesque show with both national and local talent, and the Glitter Ball where anything that sparkles is in fashion.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
13 Jan. 2026
-
George Kittle’s Achilles had popped, a devastating blow to the soul of the roster.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Here’s everything to know about her mental health history and the religious influence that allegedly distorted her beliefs.—
KC Baker,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
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The band had a range of influences, from blues and psychedelia, to country, folk and blues.—
Adam Levine,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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One defensive stop later, and the Hurricanes clinched their 31-27 win over the Rebels to punch their ticket into the national championship game.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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The Ravens battled the Pittsburgh Steelers in a crucial division matchup, where the winner would be crowned AFC North champs and punch its ticket into the postseason, while the loser would be sent packing.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Edmundson, who had a goal disallowed earlier, found a loose puck and cranked a slap shot.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The friendship developed during rehearsals, and then a confrontation in the film between their characters culminated in a slap.—
Baz Bamigboye,
Deadline,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The United States certainly has plenty of leverage to press Caracas to free the handful of Americans that remain in its custody — such as 28-year-old James Luckey-Lange, who was taken after entering the country in December.—
Editorial Board,
Washington Post,
7 Jan. 2026
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These agreements require deep expertise in risk allocation, finance and long-term contract enforcement, areas where private developers often have far greater resources and leverage than municipalities.—
Michelle Grau,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Position yourself smack dab in the middle of the desert with this gorgeous two-bedroom getaway.—
Nicole Kliest,
Vogue,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Later, the man appears to smack the boy on the face.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Jin Shin has come across some monster potholes over the last couple of weeks, including one in Koreatown that rattled his car with a sickening thump and another near the airport where its depth was obscured by water.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
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Twitchy enough to line up off the edge or run with a tight end in the slot, Fisher (6-1, 231) is a bit small but brings enough thump to be the type of linebacker who never has to leave the field.—
Nick Baumgardner,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Secret Agent, set in 1977 Brazil, is about living under a military dictatorship, which held sway in Brazil from 1964-1985.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
11 Jan. 2026
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By late 1964, by then under the sway of the Beatles, those musicians were joined by drummer and jazz aficionado Kreutzmann and avant garde bassist Phil Lesh in the rock unit the Warlocks.—
Chris Morris,
Variety,
10 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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