clout
7 synonyms for clout, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Influence or power, especially in politics or business.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
biff
clout nail
How to use clout
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
political clout
carry clout
have clout
The "hit" sense is informal/dated; the "influence" sense is the one most common in modern usage, especially in politics and media.
Etymology
From Old English clūt, originally "a piece of cloth" or "metal plate" — the "influence" sense developed much later, notably in Chicago political slang, before spreading more widely.
Full origin of clout →Frequently asked questions
What does “clout” mean?
The word “clout” means influence or power, especially in politics or business. In plain terms, real-world influence or power — or, in its older sense, a solid hit or whack.
How do you pronounce “clout”?
“Clout” is pronounced klowt (/klaʊt/ in IPA).
How do you use “clout” in a sentence?
Here is “clout” used in a sentence: “As a major donor, she carries a lot of clout with the party leadership.”
What part of speech is “clout”?
Depending on how it is used, “clout” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “clout” come from?
The word “clout” comes from Old English. From Old English clūt, originally "a piece of cloth" or "metal plate" — the "influence" sense developed much later, notably in Chicago political slang, before spreading more widely.
How many meanings does “clout” have?
“Clout” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: influence or power, especially in politics or business.
