Applause — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ə-ˈplȯz/ ap·plause

Meaning & Definition of Applause

Applause (noun)

  1. marked commendation, acclaim
  2. approval publicly expressed (as by clapping the hands)

Applause (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. 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"

    similar: acclamation, cheer, cheering, ovation, plaudit(s), rave(s), réclame
    related: clapping, bravo, hail, hallelujah, hurrah, hosanna, huzzah, acclaim, accolade, citation, commendation, compliment, encomium, eulogy, homage, kudo, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute, kudos, praise
    opposite: booing, hissing
    near: boo, hiss, hoot, jeer, raspberry, smirk, sneer, snicker, snigger, snort, whistle, gibe, put-down, taunt

  2. public acknowledgment or admiration for an achievement

    "a heroic effort by the fire department that deserves the applause of everyone in the city"

    similar: acclaim, accolade, bay(s), credit, distinction, glory, homage, honor, kudos, laud, laurels, props (slang), réclame, sun
    related: celebrity, fame, renown, repute, compliment, encomium, eulogy, panegyric, toast, tribute, acclamation, ovation, plaudit, praise, rave, rhapsody, citation, commendation, kudo, note, recommendation, elevation, enshrinement, enthronement, exaltation, glorification

Related Entry: Self-applause (noun)

Self-applause is a different word from Applause. The synonyms below are for self-applause, not for applause.

  1. as in pride, pridefulness

    similar: cockiness, complacence, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, egoism, egotism, hubris, overconfidence, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-assumption, self-complacency, self-conceit, self-consequence, self-content, self-contentment, self-glorification, self-importance, self-opinion, self-partiality, self-satisfaction, smugness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vanity, aplomb, assurance, confidence, self-assurance, self-assuredness, self-confidence, self-esteem, self-trust, calmness, composure, coolness, equanimity, self-poise, self-possession, assumption, bumptiousness, haughtiness, hauteur, huffiness, imperiousness, loftiness, lordliness, peremptoriness, presumptuousness, pretentiousness, superciliousness, superiority, toploftiness
    opposite: diffidence, insecurity, self-distrust, self-doubt, apprehension, doubt, misgiving

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Applause

The most common words with a similar meaning to Applause:

Slang: props
acclamation, cheer, cheering, ovation, plaudit(s), rave(s), réclame, acclaim, accolade, bay(s), credit, distinction, glory, homage, honor, kudos, laud, laurels, sun

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Applause

Words with the opposite meaning of Applause:

booing, hissing

Related Words for Applause

clapping, bravo, hail, hallelujah, hurrah, hosanna, huzzah, citation, commendation, compliment, encomium, eulogy, kudo, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute, praise, celebrity, fame, renown, repute, toast, plaudit, rave, rhapsody, note, recommendation, elevation, enshrinement

Near Antonyms of Applause

boo, hiss, hoot, jeer, raspberry, smirk, sneer, snicker, snigger, snort, whistle, gibe, put-down, taunt

Origin & Etymology of Applause

Medieval Latin applausus, from Latin, beating of wings, from applaudere

First known use: 15th century

Words & Phrases Containing Applause

self-applause, round of applause

Frequently Asked Questions about Applause

What does "Applause" mean?

"Applause" means marked commendation, acclaim. As a noun, it is defined as: marked commendation, acclaim. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Applause"?

Other words for "Applause" include acclamation, cheer, cheering, ovation, plaudit(s), rave(s), réclame and acclaim. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Applause" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Applause"?

There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Applause". Common alternatives include acclamation, cheer, cheering, ovation, plaudit(s), rave(s), réclame, acclaim, accolade and bay(s).

What is the opposite of "Applause"?

Antonyms of "Applause" include booing and hissing. Near antonyms include boo, hiss, hoot and jeer.

How do you use "Applause" in a sentence?

Examples of "Applause" in a sentence: "a design for a memorial for the victims of the attack that has received nothing but applause from officials, commentators, and the general public"; "a heroic effort by the fire department that deserves the applause of everyone in the city".

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

"Applause" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Applause"?

"Applause" is pronounced /ə-ˈplȯz/ and divided into syllables as ap·plause.

What is the origin of the word "Applause"?

"Applause" comes from Medieval Latin applausus, from Latin, beating of wings, from applaudere. First known use: 15th century.