1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
gave the stubborn handle a solid clout to make it turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in influence
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
has a great deal of clout in the film industry
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to punch
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
clouted the nail with the hammer and drove it all the way into the wood
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clout
Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 5 Jan. 2026
Katie Holmes doesn’t usually care about fashion clout, rarely jumping on microtrends that come and go at a moment's notice.
—Ruby McAuliffe, InStyle, 4 Jan. 2026
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
The recall was widely seen as a litmus test for how much clout the national conservative group can wield in non-partisan local politics.
—Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clout
Noun
Today, along with its clout as a recording studio, the soundstage is also a popular practice spot for artists for live shows.
—Verb
Pellegrino, a 6-foot-3 forward who’s nearly devoid of body fat and brims with energy, clouted the ball out the air for the third goal and ran toward the supporters section, raising the crowd’s volume.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for clout
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.—
Noun
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Here’s everything to know about her mental health history and the religious influence that allegedly distorted her beliefs.—
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The band had a range of influences, from blues and psychedelia, to country, folk and blues.—
Verb
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One defensive stop later, and the Hurricanes clinched their 31-27 win over the Rebels to punch their ticket into the national championship game.—
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The Ravens battled the Pittsburgh Steelers in a crucial division matchup, where the winner would be crowned AFC North champs and punch its ticket into the postseason, while the loser would be sent packing.—
Noun
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Edmundson, who had a goal disallowed earlier, found a loose puck and cranked a slap shot.—
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The friendship developed during rehearsals, and then a confrontation in the film between their characters culminated in a slap.—
Noun
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The United States certainly has plenty of leverage to press Caracas to free the handful of Americans that remain in its custody — such as 28-year-old James Luckey-Lange, who was taken after entering the country in December.—
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These agreements require deep expertise in risk allocation, finance and long-term contract enforcement, areas where private developers often have far greater resources and leverage than municipalities.—
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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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.—
Noun
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Showing little propulsive momentum at the index level and under the sway of wide dispersion among stocks and sectors, this churning phase has left investor positioning and attitudes shy of dangerous extremes.—
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But Venezuela became a founding member of OPEC in 1960, along with Iran, Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, giving Venezuela more sway in global affairs and more power to wield over the companies that did business in its state.—
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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