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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of clout
David Mislin,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
There’s already angst in the party, and glee among Republicans, that the trio will use their new clout to spotlight issues that divide Democrats.
—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
24 June 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
Fearing a loss of their significant clout and influence, devout Protestants revived the earlier campaign to write their faith commitments into the Constitution.
—
David Mislin,
The Conversation,
26 June 2026
There’s already angst in the party, and glee among Republicans, that the trio will use their new clout to spotlight issues that divide Democrats.
—
Nicholas Wu,
semafor.com,
24 June 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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Vingegaard’s victory at the Giro d’Italia in May, allied with Wout Van Aert’s cathartic win at Paris-Roubaix, has delivered two key objectives but the surprise departure of head of racing Grischa Niermann to Lidl-Trek was a blow.
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Hers is a voice that ought to have a lifetime’s staying power, bolstered by a lyrical and musical sensibility that provide everything her instrument needs to deliver a happy succession of knockout blows.
Noun
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Its influence traveled through a globally recognizable set of products and ideals, all centered on the American Dream.
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He was raised in Tiberias and Eilat, outside Israel’s traditional centers of power and influence.
Verb
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With group play coming to a close and the Round of 32 approaching, the competition is heating up as teams look to punch their tickets to the knockout round in hopes of hoisting the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the final on Sunday, July 19.
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That punched El Tri's ticket straight to the Round of 16 and kept the host nation's tournament dream alive for at least one more match.
Noun
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DeTiger also discusses working with Caroline Polachek, Chromeo and Stargate, the viral videos that launched her career, the influence of Rush’s Geddy Lee and developing her signature slap bass style.
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Morgan responded with a slap and brush off of the voodoo.
Noun
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The recent surge in commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could give the US additional leverage in talks with Iran, analysts said.
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Now in terms of personal goals, pad leverage, effort, block release and affecting the quarterback.
Verb
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Moniak smacked a 424-foot homer to right-center with one down in the bottom of the inning to tie the game.
-
Kara and Ruthye figure out the Brigands are trafficking young women for dastardly purposes, giving them yet another reason to smack some dudes around.
Noun
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That next phase will focus on measuring the shockwaves generated by the X-59 in flight, along with evaluating the sonic thump impact on the ground.
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Not long after, Jamison’s parents reported hearing a loud thump, as though someone had fallen, according to prosecutors.
Noun
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In a real world sense of course that can’t possibly be true, but the world view of the Puritan religious leaders who founded the Connecticut River Colony in the 1630s still held sway in the late 18th century.
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Roberta Smith, the co-chief art critic of the New York Times, and Jerry Saltz, the art critic of New York magazine, are writers of sway, elegance, legend.
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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