applaud

verb

ə-ˈplȯd How to pronounce applaud (audio)
Definition of applaudnext
as in to praise
to declare enthusiastic approval of I applaud your decision to take that advanced course

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 applaud The Nationals Park crowd then applauded Cavalli, who was trying to throw Washington's first no-hitter since Max Scherzer did it twice in 2015. — CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Andrew Rigie, executive director of NYC Hospitality Alliance and Counsel Robert Bookman applauded the new program in a joint statement. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 13 Aug. 2026 Leaders of several similar operations including Masonicare in Wallingford, Duncaster in Bloomfield and Elim Park in Hamden joined Fairview officials in applauding its growth. — Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026 Commencement speakers are getting booed offstage for mentioning it, even as breakthroughs in medicine and service delivery are applauded elsewhere. — Brett White, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applaud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applaud
  1. praise
  2. hail
  3. commend
  4. salute
Verb
  • While many viewers praise the former child star as the beating heart of the series, her newfound success comes with heightened tabloid scrutiny, thecoverage wading into everything from her looks to her love life.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Mourinho stressed that actions speak louder than words, praising his squad's growing unity and dedication.
    — Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • Montana sinks a strikingly successful health plan One modern solution that has been hailed as a model for all employers came out of Montana.
    — Bob Herman, STAT, 18 Aug. 2026
  • California was once hailed as a model for curbing the power of special interests and electing moderates.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of hail
Verb
  • While the filmmakers should be commended for keeping the focus on Brockington and Prescott for most of the running time, the doc also feels somewhat unbalanced.
    — Murtada Elfadl, Variety, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The report commends changes including protecting wetlands, improving stormwater and wastewater infrastructure, and expanding water quality monitoring, including notification programs that warn people about unsafe conditions in rivers and streams.
    — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • Her restaurant, Pomona, will salute the fruit during the fest with a special menu of mango spare ribs, mango ceviche and mango pork-belly cups that will be available for purchase.
    — Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2026
  • On Wednesday, several former Davis band members — including pianist Herbie Hancock, bassist Ron Carter and saxophonist Kenny Garrett — will salute his music at a Hollywood Bowl concert.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of salute

Browse Nearby Words

appetizingly
applaud
applaudable
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Applaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applaud. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on applaud

Nglish: Translation of applaud for Spanish Speakers

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