clapped back; clapping back; claps back
US, informal
: to respond quickly and sharply to criticism
A lot of times when someone says something nasty to you online, your gut reaction is to clap back right away. It's always good to take a cooling-off period—I recommend sleeping on it.—
Patrick Crowley
Patrick CrowleyThis week, Mandy Moore clapped back at haters on Instagram after people accused her of Photoshopping her social media photos … "I am 5'10 and a size 6. I have NEVER photoshopped pictures … That's not what I'm about. If you're going to be rude about people's bodies, go elsewhere."—Kitty Lindsay
Kitty Lindsay
clap·back
ˈklap-ˌbak 
variants
or less commonly clap back
plural clapbacks also clap backs
US, informal
: a quick, sharp, and effective response to criticism
Not to be confused with a garden-variety diss, a clapback is deemed by most as a targeted, often viciously acute comeback intended to place someone in much-needed check.—Aaron Edwards and Ira Madison III
Aaron Edwards and Ira Madison IIIWe all love a good clapback. It's a comeback but with that extra oomph.—Mathew Rodriguez
Mathew RodriguezThe art of the clap back is a study in discernment, wit, and instinct, which is why it should come as no surprise that Rihanna, Internet queen, is the reigning champ of shutting down the haters.—Cady Lang
Cady LangExamples of clap back in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2024
The praise is at odds with Liam Gallagher’s feelings on the band, who clapped back at the band following an interview where Fontaines said that the Oasis reunion didn’t excite them.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2024
Michelle Lee, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
After Dunne's recent TikTok clapback, fans quickly reacted.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clap back 
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Verb
With Trump still riding a post-election high, some of the people and institutions that seem headed for an inevitable collision with the returning President have so far been remarkably wary of clapping back at him, even when presented with the most provocative of Trump’s insults.
—Susan B. Glasser, The New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2024
The praise is at odds with Liam Gallagher’s feelings on the band, who clapped back at the band following an interview where Fontaines said that the Oasis reunion didn’t excite them.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2024
Noun
Cohen asked Gorga, who had the spiciest clapback to Nepola’s shady comment, which was made on stage at Bravo Fan Fest Miami in November.
—Michelle Lee, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024
After Dunne's recent TikTok clapback, fans quickly reacted.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for clap back
Dictionary Entries Near clap back
Cite this Entry
“Clap back.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clap%20back. Accessed 6 Jan. 2025.
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