as in applauses
enthusiastic and usually public expression of approval
received a standing ovation for the masterly performance
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ovations
Getty Images for Tony Awards Productions The Tony Awards are often remembered for standing ovations, emotional acceptance speeches, and career-defining wins.
—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Bono presented the accolade, the two talked Springteen’s music and activism and joined Patti Smith and her longtime accompanist Tony Shanahan in People Have The Power to standing ovations, clapping and loud cheers.
—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
Regardless of the performer, Swift mouthed along with words and leaped to her feet to give ovations, cementing her status as a fan as well as an icon.
—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
The usual response is to clap, which the phenomenon of grade inflation is turning into routine standing ovations.
—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
8 June 2026
On Saturday, Teller got one of the longest standing ovations—around 10 minutes—of the festival so far during the premiere of James Gray’s Paper Tiger.
—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
19 May 2026
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
Cannes has become better known for its lengthy standing ovations than its boos.
—
ABC News,
12 May 2026
One at a time, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George exited to standing ovations.
—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
Bono presented the accolade, the two talked Springteen’s music and activism and joined Patti Smith and her longtime accompanist Tony Shanahan in People Have The Power to standing ovations, clapping and loud cheers.
—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
13 June 2026
Regardless of the performer, Swift mouthed along with words and leaped to her feet to give ovations, cementing her status as a fan as well as an icon.
—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
The usual response is to clap, which the phenomenon of grade inflation is turning into routine standing ovations.
—
Judith Martin,
Sun Sentinel,
8 June 2026
On Saturday, Teller got one of the longest standing ovations—around 10 minutes—of the festival so far during the premiere of James Gray’s Paper Tiger.
—
Rebecca Ford,
Vanity Fair,
19 May 2026
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
Cannes has become better known for its lengthy standing ovations than its boos.
—
ABC News,
12 May 2026
One at a time, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George exited to standing ovations.
—
Tony Jones,
New York Times,
1 May 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.
Noun
-
The trick went down well with the Swansea supporters and earned a League Two footballer wider acclaim.
-
The group went on to earn national and international acclaim before its swaggering leader, Country Dick Montana, died on stage midway through a 1995 show in Whistler, Canada.
Cite this Entry
“Ovations.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ovations. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
