clout 1 of 2

noun

ˈklau̇t How to pronounce clout (audio)
Definition of cloutnext
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

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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

clout

2 of 2

verb

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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clout
Noun
The Kospi Index has tumbled 25% since its June peak, resulting in a $1 trillion wipeout that threatens to weaken its global clout. — Winnie Hsu, Fortune, 19 July 2026 The more chaotic and dangerous the events are, the better, as far as the clout-chasing posters are concerned. — Nicholas Williams, New York Daily News, 18 July 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
  1. blow
  2. influence
  3. punch
  4. slap
  5. leverage
  6. smack
  7. thump
  8. sway
Noun
  • That was a massive blow, and losing speedy rookie wide receiver Chris Brazzell to another knee injury Wednesday didn’t help, either.
    — Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2026
  • After the dustups, the offense went from taking blows from the defense to delivering some of its own.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2026
Definition of blow
Noun
  • Hip-hop artist Ron Ron was honored for his long career and influence on the city’s music scene, with fellow Kansas City artists participating in the presentation.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • Trump has long been one of his most valuable campaign assets, and demonstrating continued influence in Washington matters for Netanyahu, who still hopes to host him in Israel for a pre-election visit.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of influence
Verb
  • After arriving, the two got into an argument, during which Eason alleges Rodriguez punched him in the face with a closed fist.
    — Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026
  • Police say that Salgado punched the victim and slammed him to the pavement.
    — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 30 July 2026
Definition of punch
Noun
  • While other kids his age were doling out loot bags stuffed with Bazooka bubble gum and slap bracelets, Lovett was recording his favorite music on cassette tapes as party favors.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 25 July 2026
  • Pro wrestling is often viewed as a fake form of fighting, but the flips, jumps and landings are very real — slaps and kicks landed on reddening skin echo throughout SPW’s venues.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026
Definition of slap
Noun
  • Even with his struggles with Miami this season, Fairbanks has a long enough track record in high-leverage situations to be of interest to contenders.
    — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
  • As long as the Iran war continues, China’s leverage over oil prices gives it the ability to inflict immense pain on American consumers, and really the entire world, at a moment’s notice.
    — Rogé Karma, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
Definition of leverage
Verb
  • The teriyaki aroma from the wings was almost strong enough to taste, and the flavor smacks you in the face from the first bite.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2026
  • Catcher Daniel Susac followed up Wednesday’s two-home-run game by smacking a two-run shot, and the Giants bullpen didn’t break down while protecting a 4-1 victory.
    — Andrew Baggarly, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of smack
Noun
  • If the offense keeps doing just enough, and Breslow finds some more thump at the deadline, baseball’s hottest team could have staying power.
    — Tyler Kepner, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Duggan Borges gestures around the studio, that thump still coming through the ceiling.
    — Laura Snapes, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of thump
Noun
  • By the mid-nineteenth century the Hawaiian throne, and the British, were both losing power as the growing cartel of US plantation bosses aggressively sought sway.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • Aside from securing more than $1 billion in new funding for public transit, the state’s new landmark mass transit law centralizes planning, budgeting and service standards across the agencies and gives Preckwinkle more sway in their decision-making.
    — A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2026
Definition of sway

Browse Nearby Words

cloudy
clout
clouted
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Cite this Entry

“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of clout for Spanish Speakers

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