as in nonsense
language, behavior, or ideas that are absurd and contrary to good sense
the idea that you can get a cold from not dressing warmly is claptrap
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in mechanical
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of claptrap
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023
One is that a Kennedy candidacy that gains any real traction alone will increase the political credibility of anti-vax claptrap, which already has more than enough.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2023
That meant rolling home with bloody scrapes full of gravel past old farmhouses cheap enough for mailmen and jazz musicians to buy, build claptrap chicken coops and grow weed in the backyard.
—Daniel Duane, New York Times, 30 May 2023
In ours, though, bureaucrats, corporations, and risk managers seem to have grasped that engaging in critical claptrap about popular culture – Marx’s ‘ruthless criticism of all that exists’ – asks easier gestures of them than the work of real administration.
—Matthew Carey Salyer, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for claptrap 
Noun
But one is accustomed to hearing this claptrap from the right-wing fringe, not from anyone reaching Johnson’s elevated position in the government.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2023
One is that a Kennedy candidacy that gains any real traction alone will increase the political credibility of anti-vax claptrap, which already has more than enough.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2023
That meant rolling home with bloody scrapes full of gravel past old farmhouses cheap enough for mailmen and jazz musicians to buy, build claptrap chicken coops and grow weed in the backyard.
—Daniel Duane, New York Times, 30 May 2023
In ours, though, bureaucrats, corporations, and risk managers seem to have grasped that engaging in critical claptrap about popular culture – Marx’s ‘ruthless criticism of all that exists’ – asks easier gestures of them than the work of real administration.
—Matthew Carey Salyer, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2023
See all Example Sentences for claptrap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for claptrap
Noun
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The word had seemed like nonsense only a moment before.—
Anna Russell,
The New Yorker,
17 Jan. 2025
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Having a terrible job where empty, pandering nonsense is handed down by corporate headquarters.—
Nina Metz,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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No racing or mechanical experience is required; only creativity and a desire to put the pedal to the floor!—
AvidXchange Music Factory,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Jan. 2025
-
Seed oils are obtained either through mechanical or chemical extraction.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
22 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Prosecutors allege Portillo’s body was found by police wrapped in garbage bags and clothes stuffed under a bed inside Coto-Navarro’s apartment.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
17 Jan. 2025
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Then again, one man’s garbage TV is another man’s treasure.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Jamie Bernstein considers the attitude hypocritical.—
Miguel Sirgado,
Miami Herald,
6 Jan. 2025
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There are several moments in which Stewart comes off as hypocritical and lacking self-awareness.—
Meredith Blake,
Los Angeles Times,
30 Oct. 2024
Noun
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The property also grows its own herbs, greens, nuts, berries, and edible flowers.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes,
6 Jan. 2025
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Focus on whole foods like fruits, leafy green vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and seeds.—
Lindsay Curtis,
Health,
5 Jan. 2025
Noun
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On the evening of January 14, a woman was arrested after allegedly setting multiple piles of rubbish and trash on fire, Jim McDonnell, chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, said at a news conference last week.—
Zoe Sottile,
CNN,
21 Jan. 2025
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Combine principles with experience Anyone can send out glib; motivational rubbish based on principles.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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Her role intends to put a human face on the awful burden fame imposes on those who are sidelined from the ones in the addictive spotlight, but it’s presented in a contrived manner, even though Fanning gives it her all.—
Randy Myers,
The Mercury News,
24 Dec. 2024
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That finding, the researchers said, came from a contrived scenario unlikely to occur in real life.—
Billy Perrigo,
TIME,
18 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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The character is an insincere male feminist who makes performative comments about healing psychological trauma and supporting women.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes,
16 Jan. 2025
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Personalization is key to effective cold emailing, but doing it wrong can make your emails feel insincere or even drive people away.—
Samuel Darwin,
Forbes,
17 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near claptrap
Cite this Entry
“Claptrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/claptrap. Accessed 31 Jan. 2025.
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