claptrap

1 of 2

noun

clap·​trap ˈklap-ˌtrap How to pronounce claptrap (audio)
Synonyms of claptrapnext
: pretentious nonsense : trash

claptrap

2 of 2

adjective

: characterized by or suggestive of claptrap
especially : of a cheap showy nature
claptrap sentiment

Synonyms of claptrap

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Noun

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Examples of claptrap in a Sentence

Noun His entire speech was nothing but claptrap. I'm tired of hearing all that claptrap about how hard her life is.
Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
Many Red Sox fans have had it up to here with that building-for-the-future claptrap, so much so that expectations were scary low coming into the 2024 season. — Steve Buckley, The Athletic, 31 July 2024 Behavioral-analysis claptrap abounds. — Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026 The post-1945 explosion in birth rates coincided with the rise of the television age and the profusion of social science claptrap to serve and soothe a nation anxious in its affluence. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2026 That’s in contrast with Andrew’s lexicon of touchy-feely claptrap, all seemingly declarations of support and empathy but, ultimately, hollow. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for claptrap

Word History

Etymology

Noun

clap entry 2; from its attempt to win applause

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1731, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1815, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of claptrap was circa 1731

Rhymes for claptrap

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Browse Nearby Words

clapstick
claptrap
clap up
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Cite this Entry

“Claptrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/claptrap. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

claptrap

noun
clap·​trap
ˈklap-ˌtrap
: nonsense sense 1
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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