applause

noun

ə-ˈplȯz How to pronounce applause (audio)
Definition of applausenext
1
as in ovation
enthusiastic and usually public expression of approval a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in accolade
public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement a heroic effort by the fire department that deserves the applause of everyone in the city

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 applause Videos on the nonprofit’s website show children stepping out of luxury buses, walking between camp volunteers who welcome them with applause and cheers. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026 Kansas United for Impartial Courts campaign manager Leo Espinoza began comments to cheers and applause during a watch party in the Overland Park Sheraton, as early vote results showed strong opposition to the amendment. — Ben Wheeler, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026 Women’s sports are no longer an underdog story waiting for easy applause but one of the most dynamic areas of modern sport, full of difficult, fascinating questions. — Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026 The colossal balete next to the chapel and barangay hall appeared to lean closer to the site of the capture, the shivering of leaves and roots and branches registering in the air as vague applause. — Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for applause
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applause
  1. ovation
  2. accolade
  3. glory
  4. acclaim
  5. credit
  6. praise
  7. honor
Noun
  • Upon her return to Chase Center, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kate Martin receives a pregame tribute video and a standing ovation; Martin played one season for the Valkyries before being cut in training camp this year.
    — Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That production's final appearance in 1980 ignited a 45-minute ovation.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of ovation
Noun
  • The role also earned him Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG award and Critics Choice Award nominations, among other accolades.
    — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In an independent sector where even experienced filmmakers struggle to finance their next project, these are hardly ornamental accolades.
    — Callum McLennan, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of accolade
Noun
  • Had a nice run-game tackle on the Titans’ fourth drive, but didn’t cover himself in glory at the start.
    — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • With the light dappling down from a sunroof, my dress was presented in all her glory.
    — Alexandra Macon, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of glory
Noun
  • Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures previously partnered on the global distribution of Shinkai’s Suzume (2023), which grossed more than $300 million worldwide and received critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe nomination.
    — Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Universal acclaim or not, the film launched his groundbreaking directing career and helped usher in a new era of Black independent filmmaking.
    — Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of acclaim
Noun
  • Bowen’s other writing credits include the season-three premiere.
    — Keith Phipps, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2026
  • By using institutional credit, insurance funds and private capital to underwrite GPUs and data centers, Nvidia is helping its end users secure financing without tapping their own balance sheets.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of credit
Noun
  • Our family and volunteers have recommended Cleveland’s with the highest praise.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The contretemps about the visa scandal pushed #Andy — López Beltrán’s nickname — to the top of social media sites in Mexico, drawing both praise and derision.
    — Foreign Correspondent, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of praise
Noun
  • Miller also asked Marco Rubio who his favorite rapper is, and the secretary of state gave the honors to Tupac.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor Swift will be adding another trophy to her shelf, as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame announced Tuesday that the superstar will be inducted into the hall this fall, becoming, at 36, the youngest writer ever to receive the honor.
    — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of honor

Browse Nearby Words

applauds
applause
applauses
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Cite this Entry

“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applause. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on applause

Nglish: Translation of applause for Spanish Speakers

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