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

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

Brown also added a thunderous, poster-worthy dunk over Jalen Smith, and Porzingis drilled a clutch three from 30 feet out – his first since the opening minute of the game. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2024

The automaker's thunderous V8 has been replaced with a smaller V6, which Busse says is better than its predecessor. —Morgan Korn, ABC News, 22 Dec. 2024

Then came the nasty spin move to lose Anunoby before a two-handed thunderous tomahawk at the rim. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 6 Dec. 2024

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