Applaud — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ə-ˈplȯd/ ap·plaud

Meaning & Definition of Applaud

Applaud (verb)

  1. to express approval especially by clapping the hands
  2. to express approval of, praise
  3. to show approval of especially by clapping the hands

Applaud (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to declare enthusiastic approval of

    "I applaud your decision to take that advanced course"

    similar: acclaim, accredit, cheer, crack up, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout, doff one's hat to
    related: bravo, clap, rise (to), ballyhoo, approve, commend, endorse, favor, recommend, root (for), support, celebrate, emblazon, eulogize, extol, glorify, magnify, sing, adulate, belaud, flatter, overpraise, deify, idolize
    opposite: knock, pan, slam
    near: belittle, discommend, disparage, put down, blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate, admonish, chide, criticize, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove, castigate, excoriate, keelhaul, lambaste, skewer, slag (chiefly British), vilify

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Applaud

The most common words with a similar meaning to Applaud:

acclaim, accredit, cheer, crack up, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout, doff one's hat to

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Applaud

Words with the opposite meaning of Applaud:

knock, pan, slam

Related Words for Applaud

bravo, clap, rise (to), ballyhoo, approve, commend, endorse, favor, recommend, root (for), support, celebrate, emblazon, eulogize, extol, glorify, magnify, sing, adulate, belaud, flatter, overpraise, deify, idolize

Near Antonyms of Applaud

belittle, discommend, disparage, put down, blame, censure, reprehend, reprobate, admonish, chide, criticize, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reprove, castigate, excoriate, keelhaul, lambaste, skewer, slag, vilify

Word Forms of Applaud

Inflections: applauded, applauding, applauds

Derived words: applaudable (adjective), applaudably (adverb), applauder (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Applaud

Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aplaudir, from Latin applaudere, from ad- + plaudere to applaud

First known use: 15th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Applaud

Frequently Asked Questions about Applaud

What does "Applaud" mean?

"Applaud" means to express approval especially by clapping the hands. As a verb, it is defined as: to express approval especially by clapping the hands.

What is another word for "Applaud"?

Other words for "Applaud" include acclaim, accredit, cheer, crack up, hail, laud, praise and salute. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Applaud" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Applaud"?

There are 34 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Applaud". Common alternatives include acclaim, accredit, cheer, crack up, hail, laud, praise, salute, tout and doff one's hat to.

What is the opposite of "Applaud"?

Antonyms of "Applaud" include knock, pan and slam. Near antonyms include belittle, discommend, disparage and put down.

How do you use "Applaud" in a sentence?

Examples of "Applaud" in a sentence: "I applaud your decision to take that advanced course".

Is "Applaud" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Applaud" is a verb.

Is "Applaud" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Applaud" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Applaud"?

"Applaud" is pronounced /ə-ˈplȯd/ and divided into syllables as ap·plaud.