applauding
Clapping your hands
Applauding is clapping hands to express approval, appreciation, or enthusiasm—what audiences do after performances, speeches, or achievements.
The word extends to any expression of praise or endorsement: Critics are applauding the director's bold choices.
The crowd stood applauding as she took her bow.
Formal expression of approval
- kudosPraise and honor
- tributeOffering of respect
- accoladeExpression of high esteem
- congratulationsExpression of praise for achievement
compliments · appreciation · recognition · honor · homage · salute · celebration · plaudits
Gripping limbs' extremities
- palmsHands' inner sides
- audienceGathered viewers collectively
- rhythmPatterned stress and silence
- gestureCommunicative body movement
noise · theater · concert · spectators · performance · ceremony · echo · thunder
Position, physical or social
- curtain callPost-show audience acknowledgment
- bravosShouted expressions of approval
- encoreAudience-demanded extra performance
- bowRespectful forward inclination
finale · theater · audience · cheers · spectacle · performance · concert hall · soloist
To uphold or sustain
- backingAid or sponsorship
- approvalFavorable opinion given
- sanctionApproval or punitive measure
- validationConfirming truth or accuracy
advocacy · agreement · consent · ratification · acknowledgment · affirmation · favor · nod
commendation
Formal expression of approval
congratulations · compliments · appreciation · recognition · honor · homage · salute · celebration · plaudits · laudation
hands
Gripping limbs' extremities
gesture · noise · theater · concert · spectators · performance · ceremony · echo · thunder · percussion
standing
Position, physical or social
- curtain callPost-show audience acknowledgment
- bravosShouted expressions of approval
- encoreAudience-demanded extra performance
bow · finale · theater · audience · cheers · spectacle · performance · concert hall · soloist · recital
support
To uphold or sustain
validation · advocacy · agreement · consent · ratification · acknowledgment · affirmation · favor · nod · thumbs-up
- encouragementencourage, encouraging, praises, hang in there, supports
- celebrationsgraduation, festival, party, wedding, fireworks
- behaviorshabit, aggressive, agitation, conduct, passive
- commendingpraising, lauding, extolling, acclaiming, complimenting
- positive regardadmiration, appreciation, esteem, respect, regard
- glorificationglorifying, glorification, exalting, exaltation, idolizing
applaudingbooing
Vocal expression of disapproval
hissing · jeering · heckling · catcalling · walking out
applaudingcondemning
Expressing severe disapproval
denouncing · disparaging · criticizing · scornful · disdainful
applause, applaud, applauded, applauds, applauder, applauders, applaudable