as in applauses
enthusiastic and usually public expression of approval
received a standing ovation for the masterly performance
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Recent Examples of ovations
At Cannes, as with other festivals, the length of standing ovations is carefully tracked, and Gray jokingly tried to urge the audience to keep the adulation going, pointing to his watch.
—
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
That marks two big standing ovations for theatrical distributor Mubi following last night’s Un Certain Regard premiere Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, which landed an unexpected nine-minute ovation.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Cannes has become better known for its lengthy standing ovations than its boos.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
There is also a lot of performative clapping involved—but the less made about the length of standing ovations at film festivals the better.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
One at a time, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George exited to standing ovations.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 1 May 2026
The speech was a high-stakes diplomatic moment, but he was met with a warm and bipartisan reception and received several standing ovations.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Through their applause and standing ovations, Democrats showed more support than many Republicans for the monarch’s remarks, particularly on the importance of NATO and environmental protection.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
At times understated, at others more pointed, the speech appeared to land well in the room, drawing many standing ovations.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026
That marks two big standing ovations for theatrical distributor Mubi following last night’s Un Certain Regard premiere Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, which landed an unexpected nine-minute ovation.
—Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 14 May 2026
Cannes has become better known for its lengthy standing ovations than its boos.
—ABC News, 12 May 2026
There is also a lot of performative clapping involved—but the less made about the length of standing ovations at film festivals the better.
—Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 8 May 2026
One at a time, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George exited to standing ovations.
—Tony Jones, New York Times, 1 May 2026
The speech was a high-stakes diplomatic moment, but he was met with a warm and bipartisan reception and received several standing ovations.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Through their applause and standing ovations, Democrats showed more support than many Republicans for the monarch’s remarks, particularly on the importance of NATO and environmental protection.
—Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
At times understated, at others more pointed, the speech appeared to land well in the room, drawing many standing ovations.
—Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 29 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ovations
Noun
-
Coco continued to draw applauses and laughs while talking about women showing up to church in high heels and lace.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
On-screen, Armitage’s portrayal of the socially awkward Sheldon has earned him critical acclaim.—
Jane LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
17 May 2026
-
Captain Reece James made a point of pushing McFarlane to take acclaim from Chelsea fans in the stands after those results, a strong sign his contribution is significant and appreciated.—
Simon Johnson,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ovations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ovations. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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