as in rattle
the loud sound made when metal strikes metal
the car is making a funny clank, and this can't be good
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of clank
Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
Among its many innovations was its unconventional score, an abstract suite of bone-chilling scrapes, metallic clanks, ominous drones and mysterious stingers.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
Despite being wide open, the shot clanked off the back of the iron and the Pacers secured the rebound.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Noun
The blustery winds muffled the clank of wheels and thud of hooves.
—Andrew Lawler, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
Among its many innovations was its unconventional score, an abstract suite of bone-chilling scrapes, metallic clanks, ominous drones and mysterious stingers.
—The Learning Network, New York Times, 11 Feb. 2025
Verb
Even a 10-point lead with 2½ minutes left wasn’t safe, as the Aztecs started clanking free throws and the Cowboys inched perilously closer, within eight, then six, then five, then four, then three.
—Mark Zeigler, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2025
Despite being wide open, the shot clanked off the back of the iron and the Pacers secured the rebound.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clank
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clank
Noun
-
Shaking and rolling helps develop hand-eye coordination and promotes dexterity, and one parent tester appreciated the wooden rattle’s ability to foster independent play for her baby.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
22 May 2025
-
This means the rattles were likely part of their regular production, and may have been sold on the market along with cups and bowls.—
Irene Wright,
Miami Herald,
20 May 2025
Verb
-
Jiayi Li Listen to this article · 9:35 min Learn more By Emma Goldberg April 12, 2025 On Instagram feeds, martini glasses clink in what feels like a never-ending loop.—
Emma Goldberg,
New York Times,
12 Apr. 2025
-
To show that behind the wine glasses clinking in celebration, there are also tears, fears and moments of reckoning.—
Jessica Guerrieri,
People.com,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
Squeezing into the narrow confines, the clang of the metal doors closing and the nearness of their neighbors can be unsettling, if not downright dangerous.—
Dana O'Neil,
New York Times,
3 May 2025
-
In a sunlit workshop nestled in the rolling hills of Southern California, a unique artistry unfolds daily, marked by the rhythmic clang of hammer against steel.—
Chris Gallagher,
USA TODAY,
2 Feb. 2025
Verb
-
The bear growled, huffed and clacked her teeth — making sure her message of getting away from her cubs got across.—
Benjamin Alva Polley,
Rolling Stone,
10 May 2025
-
The switch options included a silent switch that would be appreciated by colleagues in a busy office who might be driven crazy by a constant clacking sound of a traditional mechanical keyboard.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes,
21 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
Trump tests legal strategies as judges block his policies As the clash becomes a defining moment in the president's second term, conservative activists are pushing Congress to rein in federal judges and pressing Trump to intensify his fight with the courts.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
26 May 2025
-
The clash between Villaraigosa’s environmentalist credentials and oil-industry ties surfaced in the governor’s race after Valero announced in late April that its Bay Area refinery would close next year, not long after Phillips 66 said its Wilmington refinery would close in 2025.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
26 May 2025
Verb
-
Its perils are represented by skeletons clattering behind the migrant, one cupping an hourglass just over his shoulder.—
Hannah Edgar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2025
-
But the 200 in attendance burst into life when Kylian Mbappe scores Madrid’s first from the penalty spot in the fifth minute after being clattered by goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.—
Tomás Hill López-Menchero,
New York Times,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Now, a ring sits four wins away after Oklahoma City thundered past the Timberwolves in a decisive 124-94 Game 5 win at home last night.—
Chris Branch,
New York Times,
29 May 2025
-
Modules are premade individually and then connected with outdoor walkways that all sit on a pin foundation with a ring beam producing walkways and decks as in between space.—
Jennifer Castenson,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
-
With the birds chirping and flowers blooming, the apple trees are getting ready to create the fruit that goes into making your favorite ciders.—
Em Sauter,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
-
Whose comeback chirps take the longest and aren’t funny?—
Jeremy Rutherford,
The Athletic,
12 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Clank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clank. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share