thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: producing thunder

b

: making or accompanied by a noise like thunder

thunderous applause

2

: thundering

thunderously adverb

Synonyms

• blaring
• blasting
• booming
• clamorous
• clangorous
• deafening
• earsplitting
• loud
• piercing
• plangent
• resounding
• ringing
• roaring
• slam-bang
• sonorous
• stentorian
• thundering

Examples of thunderous in a Sentence

The audience responded with thunderous applause.

the last thunderous chord of the symphony rang throughout the hall

Recent Examples on the Web

Then in the 94th minute, Raphinha ran as if his life depending on meeting a thunderous Ferran Torres clearance out of the Barca half and scored the winner. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

The Russian middleweight took down the 6-foot-4 Reese (8-2) early in the round and fended off submission efforts and appeared to be working for position before unleashing a series of thunderous strikes. —Brian Martin, Orange County Register, 18 Jan. 2025

But for every unique wrinkle or clever bit — a spider’s crawl becomes a thunderous symphony once his hearing becomes sharper — there’s a jump-scare or fake-out cliché that’s less shudder-inducing than checklist-ticking. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 15 Jan. 2025

Stopping power was provided by Brembo brakes, its steering was hydraulically assisted, and its brawny pushrod V8 emitted a thunderous bellow. —Christian Gilbertsen, Robb Report, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs 

1

: producing thunder

2

: making a noise like thunder

thunderous applause

thunderously adverb