applause

noun

ə-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio)
Definition of applausenext
1
as in ovation
enthusiastic and usually public expression of approval a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accolade
public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement a heroic effort by the fire department that deserves the applause of everyone in the city

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 applause As a shrinking-violet housewife who comes alive under the magic of live theater in The Debut, Moore was the toast of Telluride, to the point where screenings of the film regularly received mid-movie applause breaks. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026 Across campus, students raised trembling voices, burst into applause, and brushed away tears. — Jeannine Chiang, Washington Post, 9 Oct. 2026 Eisenberg’s film garnered considerable laughs — and applause — from the theater-going crowd at its starry NYFF screening that saw Eisenberg, the cast, producer Emma Stone and even Claire Danes in attendance. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 The closeted kid who felt empowered to come out during their showcase monologue, only to receive uproarious applause from the crowd. — Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applause
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applause
  1. ovation
  2. accolade
  3. glory
  4. acclaim
  5. credit
  6. praise
  7. honor
Noun
  • Pitt State and Boschee Ball Former KU guard Jeff Boschee, the fifth-year head coach at Pitt State, received a loud ovation during player and coach introductions.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The film’s premiere received a 25-minute standing ovation at Venice International Film Festival.
    — Leila Fadel, NPR, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of ovation
Noun
  • Although only founded in 2016, the RIBA International Prize is arguably the most prestigious accolade awarded to a single building.
    — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Mexican pop icon will receive the accolade in recognition of an exceptional career spanning over three decades and his enduring influence on Latin music.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • Allen took matters into his own hands, rushing for 32 yards on the drive and getting well within field goal range for Tyler Bass to get his shot at glory.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The story centers on an everyday girl who is handed an unlikely chance at glory through an unusual contest.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of glory
Noun
  • In 2021, Leoni launched her own label, Quira, which quickly gained critical acclaim and became a 2023 LVMH Prize finalist.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Rather than accept his acclaim, a boozy Lee gets on stage and immediately tears into the crowd for being sellouts.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of acclaim
Noun
  • Deafheaven have long balanced playful disdain for black metal purism with a deeper understanding of the genre than either critics or acolytes of 2013’s Sunbather gave them credit for.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
  • According to the War Department official, IDX is providing notification, credit monitoring and identity restoration support based on the data elements affected for each individual.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of credit
Noun
  • The two governors, who mended fences after clashing over last year’s Proposition 50 redistricting campaign, lavished praise on each other for their climate bona fides.
    — Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Schwarzenegger and Newsom piled praise upon each other during the Wednesday afternoon discussion, hugging at the end.
    — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of praise
Noun
  • As private longing collides with honor and social codes, each character has to reckon with what their choices cost.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • The honor recognizes artists who remain relevant through their artistic and personal contributions, and whose influence has made a significant impact on Latin music around the world.
    — Sigal Ratner-Arias, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of honor

Browse Nearby Words

applauds
applause
applauses
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Cite this Entry

“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applause. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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