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
Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
In 2024, amid massive viewership, virality and pop culture clout, the digital show successfully petitioned to be included as an awards contender in the outstanding talk series category.
—Randee Dawn, Variety, 26 May 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
In addition, despite all the chatter about California shrinking its technology clout, the state remains the epicenter of this job-creating machine.
—Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 27 May 2026
In 2024, amid massive viewership, virality and pop culture clout, the digital show successfully petitioned to be included as an awards contender in the outstanding talk series category.
—Randee Dawn, Variety, 26 May 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
-
At that pace, even a tiny micrometeoroid has the ability to impart a significant kinetic blow upon striking a spacecraft en route to the moon, with potentially disastrous results for the astronaut crew inside.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
7 June 2026
-
Sánchez had the big blow with a two-run shot.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
Everything first lady occupies multiple floors, including a small theater showing films, and rotating and themed exhibits exploring the influence and legacies of presidential counterparts throughout American history.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
-
Portugal’s influence on arguably the team of the decade, the back-to-back European champions, is, once again, disproportionate for a nation of its size.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Among those arrested was a woman who allegedly punched a police officer.—
Connor Greene,
Time,
9 June 2026
-
In extreme cases, like intentionally punching another player, a referee can go straight to a red card and eject a player from the match.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Burke, a Dodgers teammate, had provided the setup for the pioneering hand slap, a spontaneous response to a homer that Baker hit in 1977.—
Charles Bethea,
New Yorker,
1 June 2026
-
Will Smith won his only Best Actor Oscar in the title role, leading to his infamous onstage slap of Chris Rock during the 2022 ceremony.—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
1 June 2026
Noun
-
The analogy appears to reference the leverage the 49ers hold over Aiyuk.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
-
Given season-ending hip surgery for starter Ryan Pepiot, along with an uncertain return date for high-leverage reliever Edwin Uceta, that’s obviously not going to happen.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 June 2026
Verb
-
The shot smacked off the front of the rim.—
Fred Katz,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
-
Ben Williamson then smacked a ball to the right side that went off the glove of first baseman Spencer Torkelson, allowing Mullins and Fortes to score.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Soon after, hearing the thump of ball on metal gate, Badri stepped outside to check if his message had been heeded.—
Jacob Whitehead,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
-
Agents yelled from every direction, and the thumps of a news helicopter overhead were deafening.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Noun
-
Monetary policy decisions are made by a committee of 12 FOMC members, and while the chair usually has considerable sway, Warsh would need to persuade panel members of the immediate need for rate cuts.—
Aimee Picchi,
CBS News,
26 May 2026
-
Singapore is a global financial hub with particular sway across Southeast Asia, and global financial institutions use the city as a home base for their operations in the region.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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