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
Relevance
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
Then the ball flies, and the thought dissolves into applause.
—
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
29 June 2026
Not quite applause, more like the sound of strangers finding unison.
—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
28 June 2026
Hakan Akgun / Anadolu via Getty Images The Houston stadium exploded with thundering applause, fans in blue jerseys and cheeks painted with the Cape Verdean flag cheering with joy.
—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
An elderly man with a black eye was greeted with applause after his rescue.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for applause
Jeff Ihaza,
Rolling Stone,
29 June 2026
Not quite applause, more like the sound of strangers finding unison.
—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
28 June 2026
Hakan Akgun / Anadolu via Getty Images The Houston stadium exploded with thundering applause, fans in blue jerseys and cheeks painted with the Cape Verdean flag cheering with joy.
—
Marlene Lenthang,
NBC news,
27 June 2026
An elderly man with a black eye was greeted with applause after his rescue.
—
ABC News,
27 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for applause
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applause
Noun
-
Roberts doffed his cap in gratitude for a spirited postgame ovation from the fans here, almost all of them Dodgers fans.
-
The ovation that erupted when Guzelimian walked out to introduce the festival’s closing concert was a fitting acknowledgment that golden-age concerts do not happen by themselves.
Noun
-
Nonetheless, the 36-year-old’s accolades speak for themselves.
-
Sure, the accolades are great, but there’s nothing better than reading a Spurrier quote.
Noun
-
My ambitions are crowned with glory.
-
This mile and an eighth run over the main track was inaugurated in 1982 and has long been a stepping stone towards Breeders’ Cup glory and beyond.
Noun
-
Developed with some difficulty due to the material, which both financiers and some actors found too risqué, Sunday Bloody Sunday was eventually released to considerable acclaim, earning four nominations at the 1972 Academy Awards.
-
For all the early acclaim, Hazemann, 26, and Monnin, 25, project a level of discipline that belies their age.
Noun
-
At the April topping-off ceremony, Lightfoot, who left office in 2023, took credit for the rising casino, perhaps the signature achievement of her administration.
-
Brunson's ability to demand accountability without conflict, redirect credit, and maintain composure under immense pressure, even during 20-point deficits, exemplified an Aristotelian ideal of balance.
Noun
-
Starmer won praise from many for his international role, especially in bolstering European support for Ukraine.
-
Germany's head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, gave Ecuador its deserved praise for the win today, saying his own team failed to find its rhythm in the second half.
Noun
-
The honor is part of the 12th annual Sports Humanitarian Awards, which will take place on July 14 in New York City before the ESPYS.
-
The Hall of Fame honors persons who have made outstanding contributions in the arts, sciences or management of television over a lifetime career or via singular achievements.
Cite this Entry
“Applause.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applause. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
