clap 1 of 2

noun

Definition of clapnext
1
as in bang
a loud explosive sound a clap of thunder that woke the whole house up

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in thump
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument a sharp clap to the head of the disrespectful youth

Synonyms & Similar Words

clap

2 of 2

verb

ˈklap How to pronounce clap (audio)
as in to slap
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner clapped him on the back as a friendly gesture

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 clap
Noun
One of the moments in the musical that caused the most laughter and claps from the audience was the final song, which mocks the idea of using violence as a form of protest rather than joining a movement or focusing on policy. — Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026 Think of it as going from a clap of thunder to the slam of a car door. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 16 June 2026
Verb
Syrians gathered around the court in Damascus, chanting, clapping and waving the Syrian flag as news of the sentences spread. — Kinda Makieh, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026 The teams were the townspeople, clapping for a wardrobe nobody could actually see. — Jeremy MacLiver, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
  1. bang
  2. thump
  3. slap
  4. boom
  5. blow
  6. smack
  7. blast
  8. thud
Noun
  • With incomings, Newcastle’s summer started with a whimper and ended with a bang, a slow-burn of early rejections from high-profile targets which did little to ease a sense of disquiet among supporters.
    — George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The catamaran, carrying 267 passengers and crew from Kyrenia to Turkey, sank in waters over 1,600 feet deep as survivors described loud bangs, sudden listing and passengers trapped inside.
    — Andrew Wilks, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • Their pitching is good, Griffin Jax could return soon, and Liam Hicks has added some thump to a lineup previously built around three really good hitters (Junior Caminero, Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda) and a bunch of do-your-job role players.
    — Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The lower-vocal harmony struggles to stand out any time the deeper bass thumps.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of thump
Verb
  • While outlining the details of Clancy's suicide attempt, Reddington slapped a quarter on the table and addressed the prosecutors in what appeared to be a direct challenge to the state.
    — Sumiko Corley, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Already, Skubal’s joining in on pregame handshake lines and slapping the dugout railing in time to Roki Sasaki’s warm-up music.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of slap
Noun
  • In the middle of the space was a single Supersonic dryer suspended on a boom arm and surrounded by microphones.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Sure, as many tech bulls today point out, the late-90s tech boom and full-employment jubilee occurred with yields between 5-6%.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of boom
Noun
  • If the aim, as stated, is to deal an economic blow to Iran, the fact is that the country is already under severe strain.
    — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026
  • The impact of yesterday’s sharp drop in South Korean equities transmitted further into US markets overnight, spreading selling sentiment and dealing heavy blows to US semiconductor and memory stocks.
    — , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of blow
Verb
  • The directorial debut of cinematographer Mi Steinbach, Strange Neighbors was shot over three years on Schwarztonnensand, an island and nature preserve on the German Elbe river, smack in the middle of one of Europe’s busiest waterways.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In last fall’s season-opener, the Irish smacked Chicago Christian 47-6.
    — Steve Millar, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of smack
Noun
  • That blast killed seven civilians, mostly children, Iranian state media reported.
    — Julia Frankel, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Crow-Armstrong’s 38 blasts are tied with Kyle Schwarber (2019) for second-most by a left-handed-hitting Cub.
    — Andy Martinez, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of blast
Noun
  • Others joined him and the thud of clubs on tree trunks resumed.
    — Leslie E. Tassell, Outdoor Life, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Someone somewhere shrieks, then grunts before hitting the ground with a thud.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of thud

Phrases Containing clap

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clansmen
clap
clapped
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Cite this Entry

“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clap

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clap

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