clapping 1 of 2

noun

as in cheering

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clapping

2 of 2

verb

present participle of clap
as in slapping
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner clapped him on the back as a friendly gesture

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 clapping
Noun
The crowd lustily makes known its approval, clapping and cheering and spilling out of the park and through the woods comparing favorite tracks and excitedly talking about the set. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 28 July 2026 By the second set, the crowd was on its feet, dancing and clapping. — Marin Independent Journal, Mercury News, 25 July 2026 Please order her not to roll her eyes at my cheering and clapping. — John Hodgman, New York Times, 24 July 2026 Soon after, cheering and clapping filled the auditorium before the man mimicking the president stood up, holding a sign for TrumpAccounts. — Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026 Trump stayed put, however, clapping and smiling until Rodri thrusted the trophy skyward and gold confetti shot from cannons behind them to officially start the celebration. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 20 July 2026 Players were spirited, despite the heat, clapping, cheering and singing at the start of training session at Inter Miami Stadium (formerly Chase Stadium) in Fort Lauderdale. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 11 July 2026 As the music builds, entire sections of the crowd rise to their feet, clapping, chanting and dancing together. — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 The rhythmic pulse of hand clapping, accompanied by the resounding harmonic messages through voice. — Ukee Washington, CBS News, 19 June 2026
Verb
Eala supporters flooded the main stadium this week during her matches waving Philippines flags, and sometimes even clapping for opponents missed serves (a tennis etiquette no-no). — Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 2 Aug. 2026 As the room applauded, the president did not appear to be clapping. — Aidan McLaughlin, Vanity Fair, 25 July 2026 The audience was clapping along, and Vergara and Cowell were even mouthing the words. — Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 22 July 2026 In that contest, Clark was assessed a technical foul for loudly clapping in the direction of Mercury players during a skirmish, which White said the officials deemed as taunting. — James Boyd, New York Times, 19 July 2026 In a video shared on Instagram by Wallace, their guests could be seen excitedly cheering, clapping and stamping their feet as the action unfolded. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026 This was not the first time this season the two-time All-Star has been seen clapping toward other players or officials during a game. — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026 Another woman on the call starts clapping. — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 22 June 2026 One video filmed in Boston shows a crowd of Scotland fans clapping and singing along. — Angela Yang, NBC news, 22 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clapping
  1. cheering
  2. slapping
  3. tribute
  4. smacking
  5. applause
  6. knocking
  7. acclaim
  8. punching
Noun
  • On an episode of Today with Jenna and Sheinelle, the broadcaster admitted that her over-the-top cheering got her into trouble.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 31 July 2026
  • Teammates Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez helped spread the banner wide before TV cameras and cheering fans.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 31 July 2026
Definition of cheering
Verb
  • This one is a badass soldier/leader, who can’t stop slapping Stuart, Kripke and Bert.
    — Michael Schneider, Variety, 31 July 2026
  • The Congolese drum, a traditional instrument of the Luba people, makes a sound akin to the hand slapping skin.
    — Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of slapping
Noun
  • After Klee announced his death on July 25, tributes flowed on social media for the little dog whose cancer diagnosis was revealed in May.
    — Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The show also featured poignant video tributes to Peart and original drummer John Rutsey, ensuring their legacies were honored.
    — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of tribute
Verb
  • Heavy raindrops flew sideways, smacking against the hood of my rain jacket and creating a nearly deafening white noise.
    — Patrick Connolly, The Orlando Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • With a Triple-A pitcher called up for a spot start and a utilityman smacking an early two-run homer, the Boston Red Sox, having now won eight straight games, keep winning with an unlikely formula.
    — Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 12 July 2026
Definition of smacking
Noun
  • The family watched the video of Gad’s tribute and the raucous applause that followed.
    — Jenelle Riley, Los Angeles Times, 4 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, Literary Hub, 3 Aug. 2026
Definition of applause
Verb
  • Snap a few photos before your guide for the day, Clint Holland, comes knocking.
    — Lauren Mowery, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
  • Cooper was accused of sending 20 messages and making two unanswered phone calls to his girlfriend before going to her apartment and knocking on her door, according to the arrest affidavit.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026
Definition of knocking
Noun
  • Receiving acclaim for those realistic portrayals still doesn’t feel real to Infiniti.
    — Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 31 July 2026
  • The stage production received critical acclaim and earned multiple Tony Awards including best direction of a play for Sam Pinkleton and best actor in a play for Escola.
    — Anthony Solorzano, Los Angeles Times, 30 July 2026
Definition of acclaim
Verb
  • Background on the case On May 30, Shelby Police Officer Karson Hyder was captured repeatedly punching 34-year-old Cherie Moore during an arrest.
    — Zaire Breedlove, Charlotte Observer, 30 July 2026
  • Salgado is accused of approaching the man, taunting him to start a fight and punching him in the face, police said.
    — Sofia Saric, Miami Herald, 29 July 2026
Definition of punching

Browse Nearby Words

clapped (together or up)
clapping
clapping (together or up)
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Cite this Entry

“Clapping.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clapping. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on clapping

Nglish: Translation of clapping for Spanish Speakers

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