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
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Recent Examples of clout
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Prosecutors asked that Robert Menendez be sentenced to at least 15 years for trading his political clout for bribes.
Venezuela: President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for another six years.
—Matthew Cullen, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2023
The home run derby title went to St. Augustine senior first baseman M.J. Sweeney, who clouted six home runs in the first round and seven more in the final round to out-slug Madison senior outfielder Jake Jackson, who had six home runs in the first round but only three in the final.
—Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for clout 
Noun
Rubio must also maintain strong support from Venezuelan and Cuban exiles in Florida—an influential bloc crucial for his political clout and future electoral ambitions.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
Prosecutors asked that Robert Menendez be sentenced to at least 15 years for trading his political clout for bribes.
Venezuela: President Nicolás Maduro was sworn in for another six years.
—Matthew Cullen, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
Rapinoe, her replacement, clouted her kick well above the bar.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Aug. 2023
The home run derby title went to St. Augustine senior first baseman M.J. Sweeney, who clouted six home runs in the first round and seven more in the final round to out-slug Madison senior outfielder Jake Jackson, who had six home runs in the first round but only three in the final.
—Rick Hoff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 June 2023
See all Example Sentences for clout
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clout
Noun
-
Trump also signed an order signaling his intent to weaken tailpipe emission standards, which would be a major blow to the environment.—
Andrew J. Hawkins,
The Verge,
21 Jan. 2025
-
These tariffs could be a huge blow to the U.S. economy, as economists say tariffs are often passed along to end consumers in the form of higher prices.—
Megan Poinski,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
In an interview with Newsweek, Mythic Quest's creators and cast members, including Charlotte Nicdao and Ashly Burch, spoke about the influence of the show on their personal gaming habits.—
Jonathan Granoff,
Newsweek,
29 Jan. 2025
-
The state’s bold actions and market influence have sparked broader movements.—
TRACY YOCHUM,
Sacramento Bee,
29 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
The Irish inched farther into field goal range over the next 26 seconds to set up kicker Mitch Jeter’s game winner from 41 yards out, punching their ticket to the national championship game.—
Scott Dochterman,
The Athletic,
24 Jan. 2025
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One of Brown's entourage reportedly used a homophobic slur against Ocean, and Brown allegedly punched Ocean and threatened to shoot him, according to an incident report TMZ obtained.—
Alex Heigl,
People.com,
23 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
The sun strikes the surface like a slap of light, as bright as a star’s flash.—
Sallie Tisdale,
Harper's Magazine,
2 Dec. 2024
-
The fist pumps and slaps of the left thigh between points have fresh vigour.—
Matthew Futterman,
The Athletic,
15 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Trump again suggested using federal disaster assistance as a bargaining chip during unrelated legislative negotiations over government borrowing, or as leverage to persuade California to change its water policies.—
WILL WEISSERT,
arkansasonline.com,
25 Jan. 2025
-
If anything, the new, sophisticated methods attackers leverage means your company and customers are increasingly at risk.—
Rob Heidenreich,
Forbes,
24 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Barkley smacked them for 296 yards and four TDs in the regular season.—
Bill Reinhard,
New York Daily News,
23 Jan. 2025
-
During that period, Ichiro smacked 2,533 of his 3,089 Major League hits, ranking him 25th on MLB’s all-time hits list.—
Barry M. Bloom,
Sportico.com,
21 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Helman has high-end speed and can play anywhere defensively, along with some right-handed thump.—
Aaron Gleeman,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Not a lot, but for music that subwoofer does add some thump.—
Brad Moon,
Forbes,
30 Nov. 2024
Noun
-
Banks, an ex-NYPD chief with a controversial history who has known Adams for decades, held immense sway over the police department while serving as deputy mayor.—
Chris Sommerfeldt,
New York Daily News,
24 Jan. 2025
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The idea is that whatever economic theory holds sway, it is overwhelmed by the effects of population.—
Clem Chambers,
Forbes,
21 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near clout
Cite this Entry
“Clout.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clout. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
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