applaud
verb (used without object)
to clap the hands as an expression of approval, appreciation, acclamation, etc..
had applauded
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past perfectof applaud.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Previously, McOsker had applauded Fred Brown for its work on recovery group homes elsewhere in San Pedro.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
His mother had applauded the decision, having earlier worried about the trajectory her son's life was on.
From Barron's ● Jan. 19, 2026
As of Tuesday afternoon, 85% of 107 reviews collected on the Rotten Tomatoes website had applauded the new installment.
From Reuters ● Dec. 13, 2022
Her decision to fight the ruling that had struck down California’s capital punishment law in 2015 created similar disappointment among those who had applauded her refusal to call for the death penalty in San Francisco.
From New York Times ● Feb. 11, 2019
I heard her clapping, the way she had applauded our good deeds when Caroline and I were little girls.
From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat
