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
ABC News,
23 June 2026
But the arrival of New York Times travel writer Arthur Lloyd (Bashir Salahuddin), who has the clout to make Tom’s aspirations for Widow’s Bay come true, coincides with the onset of a mysterious fog.
—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
21 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
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani tests his political clout by backing fellow democratic socialists.
—
ABC News,
23 June 2026
But the arrival of New York Times travel writer Arthur Lloyd (Bashir Salahuddin), who has the clout to make Tom’s aspirations for Widow’s Bay come true, coincides with the onset of a mysterious fog.
—
Jennifer Ouellette,
ArsTechnica,
21 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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While dealing real damage, Moscow’s ability to adapt has prevented Ukraine’s drone campaign from dealing the decisive blow Kyiv’s allies had hoped.
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Apple could still handle the iPhone differently by raising only Pro model prices, adjusting storage tiers, leaning on carrier promotions or pushing trade-in offers harder to soften the blow.
Noun
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Conservative critics seized upon those allegations, accusing Hosseini of exerting outsized influence over UF’s presidential search process and questioning whether trustees had exercised independent judgment in selecting Bell.
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The democratic socialist mayor expanded his influence over the Democratic Party, going three for three in congressional primaries.
Verb
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Algeria turned up the pressure in the second half and had multiple shots on goal that Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila punched away, but a corner kick in the 69th minute proved to be the Jordanian keeper’s kryptonite.
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At least in comparison to Gragson being punched by Ross Chastain at the Kansas Speedway three years ago.
Noun
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Morgan responded with a slap and brush off of the voodoo.
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Devers petulantly left the field, avoided handshakes and butt slaps in the dugout, and retreated to the clubhouse.
Noun
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Iran is using their ties to the United States as leverage along with control of the Strait of Hormuz.
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The president said that Iran was not in a position to wield such leverage and accused the press of lending Tehran favorable coverage throughout the conflict.
Verb
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Kara and Ruthye figure out the Brigands are trafficking young women for dastardly purposes, giving them yet another reason to smack some dudes around.
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Schwarber was able to work a walk, and then Derek Hill, another pinch hitter, came up and smacked a home run that gave Philadelphia the lead in a win over the Nationals.
Noun
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Not long after, Jamison’s parents reported hearing a loud thump, as though someone had fallen, according to prosecutors.
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While playing Pragmata, the thump of approaching robots had solid directionality, and the weapon blasts had a good amount of low-end force.
Noun
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Presidents, too, have more sway over their image with the ability to communicate directly with the public.
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One man now holds unusual sway across rockets, satellites, automobiles, artificial intelligence, a major communications platform and a web of government contracts — influence concentrated in a way that should make any republic pause.
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.
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