CLAPTRAP Synonyms: 176 Similar and Opposite Words

claptrap 1 of 2

noun

ˈklap-ˌtrap

Definition of claptrap

as in nonsense

language, behavior, or ideas that are absurd and contrary to good sense the idea that you can get a cold from not dressing warmly is claptrap

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claptrap

2 of 2

adjective

as in mechanical

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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 claptrap

Noun

Behavioral-analysis claptrap abounds. — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 The show is also virtually devoid of romantic escapades, a good thing since Dumas’ novel is filled with a lot of sentimental claptrap about fighting for defenseless women’s honor or seducing virtuous maidens or going to war due to the physical beauty of a monarch. — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 11 Mar. 2026 This is Spielberg at his most pure and sensational, an undiluted cinematic experience that lacks any of his sentimental claptrap and steers clear of his tendency for multiple endings. — Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025 Many Red Sox fans have had it up to here with that building-for-the-future claptrap, so much so that expectations were scary low coming into the 2024 season. — Steve Buckley, The Athletic, 31 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for claptrap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for claptrap

Noun

In the eyes of the conferences, and CFP committee, the allure of a postseason bid is the carrot that would dangle in front of them so that fans would look the other way at the nonsense this creates for the football played in September or October.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
My fellow relishers of Trowbridge nonsense, today is our day of jubilee.

— Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of nonsense

Adjective

Related Stories Speaking at View Conference in Turin on Thursday, Hickel, who recently marked 30 years at ILM, detailed how the team mixed digital animation with physical sets, mechanical rigs and traditional stop-motion.

— Davide Abbatescianni, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026
For example, changes in contact forces could indicate whether a screw has engaged correctly, while audio cues could help identify when a mechanical latch has clicked into place.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of mechanical

Noun

Prosecutors said Aurora was one of seven children, ages 2 months to 17 years, who lived in an east San José house on Lancelot Lane that was filled with cockroaches, pet feces, garbage and mold.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
Clean your car full of garbage elsewhere and don’t hold up a line of customers.

— Ticked Off, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of garbage

Adjective

The fine was controversial to begin with, as fans and pundits pointed out the NFL’s business with beer sponsors such as Bud Light and called the sensitivity over the celebration hypocritical.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Oct. 2026
In his appeal, Juszczyk also argued that fining players for pretending to drink beer was hypocritical given the NFL’s beer sponsorships.

— Rick Maese, Washington Post, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of hypocritical

Noun

Twisted Teens are far from rubbish, but that isn't stopping them from playing in the trash for their latest music video.

— Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 7 Oct. 2026
This comes at the expense of no movement in the wrist, but to be fair, having the lightsaber pointed in any other direction would look rubbish.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of rubbish

Adjective

More bills in the G-string, like winning, like a casino, chance but something deeper, more contrived.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Oct. 2026
It’s been one with some problems left over from the original run’s later seasons — particularly in its depiction of Rebecca’s personal life, which always felt contrived — and some issues all its own.

— Keith Phipps, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of contrived

Noun

Tucker recommends foods like extra virgin olive oil, fatty fish like salmon, nuts and seeds — all staples of both diets, which also encourage eating whole grains, chicken, and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 14 Oct. 2026
If your kidneys are healthy, eating magnesium-rich foods like nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, and leafy vegetables is unlikely to cause toxicity.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of nuts

Adjective

Over the next two games, defenses stopped Baugh in his tracks, limiting him to just 72 yards on 27 carries and a meaningless TD late in a 38-19 loss to South Carolina.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
The point is that in this new format, games that take place in September, or even early October, will feel more meaningless than ever.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026