1. a group of people hired to applaud at a performance
Usage: theater
2. a group of sycophants or followers who give uncritical support
Usage: often disapproving

Examples

• The opera house hired a claque to ensure enthusiastic applause.
• The politician was surrounded by his usual claque of supporters.
• Critics accused the author of using a claque to boost book sales.
• The theater manager dismissed the claque after the scandal broke.
• She could distinguish genuine fans from the paid claque.
• The candidate’s claque cheered at every statement he made.