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
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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clap
Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
The crowd, quietening into a slow clap with the moment building, burst into a celebration.
—Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
Jenessa Connor, Health, 30 Dec. 2025
The mother is lifted over the edge shortly after, and onlookers clap and cheer.
—Nathan Diller, USA Today, 30 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clap
Noun
Stewart said to massive claps from the audience.
—Verb
Jump up to standing and clap your hands overhead.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for clap
Noun
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Micro bangs These cheeky micro bangs topped our experts’ predictions for 2026.—
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From a distance, A’zion’s hairline disappeared under her bangs, which were gelled into tiny ripples on her forehead.—
Noun
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Twitchy enough to line up off the edge or run with a tight end in the slot, Fisher (6-1, 231) is a bit small but brings enough thump to be the type of linebacker who never has to leave the field.—
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Though ashen, the convex steel form still resonates to the rhythmic thump of her hands.—
Verb
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Five players were booked during their defeat to Cameroon, including Foster, who slapped the linesman’s hand twice and screamed in his face in frustration over a decision.—
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Mimicking what happened seven years earlier after the Dallas playoff win in Charlotte, the players ran back outside and took a lap around the stadium, slapping hands with delirious home fans.—
Noun
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The industry must continue addressing issues like equitable access, over-commercialization, and ensuring that the original advocates of legalization benefit from the boom.—
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Then, yellow, and boom—I was stuck.—
Noun
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Both teams scored 14 points in that final period, with Matthew Stafford’s 19-yard touchdown pass to tight end Colby Parkinson the killing blow with 38 seconds left.—
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This latest disaster will be framed by some as another blow to Minnesota's reputation.—
Verb
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Diaz obliged, but not before smacking an unlucky onlooker with a wayward first attempt, above.—
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Often, though, the clutter is the point, and you’re smacked with temperamental textures that channel the flippant streak of plunderphonics.—
Noun
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Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed by two workers, a resident and a contractor at the nursing home, who were injured in the blast, according to Fox affiliate WTXF and NBC affiliate WCAU.—
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The leader of these superheroes rips off his protective visor and unleashes a catastrophic optic blast.—
Noun
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And then, when Stafford and Rodgers and the Titans said no thanks, Schoen landed with a thud on … Russell Wilson.—
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The Panthers’ run game ended the 2025 regular season with a thud.—
Cite this Entry
“Clap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clap. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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