1
as in blow
a hard strike with a part of the body or an instrument
gave the stubborn handle a solid clout to make it turn
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in influence
the power to direct the thinking or behavior of others usually indirectly
has a great deal of clout in the film industry
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in to punch
to deliver a blow to (someone or something) usually in a strong vigorous manner
clouted the nail with the hammer and drove it all the way into the wood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of clout
The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
For better or for worse, the Supreme Court has clarified how — and how not — to prosecute public officials caught corruptly conspiring with favor-granting and clout-heavy players, as ComEd was during that era.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
The recall was widely seen as a litmus test for how much clout the national conservative group can wield in non-partisan local politics.
—Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clout
Noun
Only a handful of operators worldwide, however, have the expertise, clout, and ambition to make the unimaginable real.
—The Editors, Robb Report, 20 Apr. 2026
For better or for worse, the Supreme Court has clarified how — and how not — to prosecute public officials caught corruptly conspiring with favor-granting and clout-heavy players, as ComEd was during that era.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
Pellegrino, a 6-foot-3 forward who’s nearly devoid of body fat and brims with energy, clouted the ball out the air for the third goal and ran toward the supporters section, raising the crowd’s volume.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2025
The recall was widely seen as a litmus test for how much clout the national conservative group can wield in non-partisan local politics.
—Maritza Dominguez, AZCentral.com, 4 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clout
Noun
-
Arsenal’s title challenge is back on track, Liverpool have been dealt a potentially season-defining injury blow, and Fantasy Premier League managers now have just four Gameweeks left to make their mark.—
Abdul Rehman,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
The loss of Kidal represents a significant blow to Russia’s credibility in Mali, where the military junta has relied on mercenaries to combat Islamic extremism.—
Wilson Mcmakin,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Foreign adversaries such as the CCP use a wide range of tools to project influence inside the United States, from academic partnerships and intellectual property theft to land acquisition, supply chain leverage and political lobbying.—
Joe Gebbia Sr,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Apr. 2026
-
The Seoul High Court said that a first lady, being closest to a president, represents the country together with her husband and has a big influence on him.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Pistons punched back with a 20-5 run as the Magic at one point missed 13 straight shots from the floor.—
Jason Beede,
The Orlando Sentinel,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Brown again pulls his hands away from the cops before Maden starts punching him.—
Sheetal Banchariya,
New York Daily News,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Hell, everyone still thinks the Will Smith-Chris Rock Oscars slap was staged.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
24 Apr. 2026
-
Jeanine Pirro, the DC US Attorney leading the probe, has also repeatedly doubled-down on her pursuit, despite a running series of mishaps and judicial slap-downs.—
Elisabeth Buchwald,
CNN Money,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Taveras unleashed a lifeline in a high-leverage spot, late in a game and with a full count.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Visbeen argues that, in the next phase, sketching becomes leverage.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Met Gala lands smack in the middle of that window, on Monday, May 4 — its traditional first-Monday-in-May slot.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The boy smacks him in the mouth and then immediately starts crying.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Yankees need Wells to provide at least some thump in a bottom third of the order that hasn’t been very good.—
Brendan Kuty,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Moments later, a bass thump sounded in the distance.—
Nabih Bulos,
Los Angeles Times,
27 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In Christian America, evangelical conservatives have held sway for decades.—
Elizabeth Bruenig,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
-
The rise of Bernie Sanders’ preferred Senate candidate in Michigan is frustrating moderates, delighting progressives, and testing the sway of Democratic leaders in a race that will likely determine the party’s shot at a Senate majority.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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