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 Riles team takes home their third consecutive win in the ribs category, and the audience applauds as team members pump their fists in victory. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026 Proponents of incineration applaud the ability to generate energy from waste and divert garbage from landfills. — Rebecca Ramirez, NPR, 1 July 2026 The sea of yellow applauding the efforts of the dejected Brazilian players who milled about, seemingly unwilling to accept that a match that took so long to really get going was over so quickly. — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 5 July 2026 Both Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers applauded the recent letters from Congress to Quebec, saying getting American wine back into Canada is crucial to aiding their struggling industry. — Lizzie Kane, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for applaud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for applaud
  1. praise
  2. hail
  3. commend
  4. salute
Verb
  • Leaders from India’s ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have publicly praised bhajan clubbing gatherings.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Magazine, praising Swift's ability to handle intense public scrutiny.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of praise
Verb
  • For decades, Black Americans struggled to hail taxis in many cities.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Take advantage of the streetcar system, rent a bike, hail a pedicab, or hop in a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
    — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of hail
Verb
  • Miss Manners commends it as better than the usual aggressive-aggressive behavior — and more effective.
    — Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 30 June 2026
  • Donning a loud orange and curly wig, Tel commended KC for its hospitality as a host city.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
Definition of commend
Verb
  • That's a dominating performance, and makes a $300 discount worth saluting.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026
  • Ground salutes like cherry bombs are prohibited in the state.
    — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026
Definition of salute

Browse Nearby Words

appetizingly
applaud
applaudable
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Cite this Entry

“Applaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/applaud. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on applaud

Nglish: Translation of applaud for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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