EARSPLITTING Synonyms: 53 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'earsplitting' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of earsplitting are loud , raucous , stentorian , and strident . While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting. // the earsplitting sound of a siren

Q: When is it sensible to use 'loud' instead of 'earsplitting'?

Although the words loud and earsplitting have much in common, loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness. // loud shouts of protest

Q: When is 'raucous' a more appropriate choice than 'earsplitting'?

The meanings of raucous and earsplitting largely overlap; however, raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness. // the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

Q: Where would 'stentorian' be a reasonable alternative to 'earsplitting'?

While in some cases nearly identical to earsplitting , stentorian implies great power and range. // an actor with a stentorian voice

Q: In what contexts can 'strident' take the place of 'earsplitting'?

While the synonyms strident and earsplitting are close in meaning, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice. // the strident voices of hecklers

earsplitting

adjective

ˈir-ˌspli-tiŋ

Definition of earsplitting next

as in loud

marked by a high volume of sound the earsplitting noise coming from the jackhammers at the construction site

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective earsplitting contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of earsplitting are loud, raucous, stentorian, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

When is it sensible to use loud instead of earsplitting?

Although the words loud and earsplitting have much in common, loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When is raucous a more appropriate choice than earsplitting?

The meanings of raucous and earsplitting largely overlap; however, raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

Where would stentorian be a reasonable alternative to earsplitting?

While in some cases nearly identical to earsplitting, stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

In what contexts can strident take the place of earsplitting?

While the synonyms strident and earsplitting are close in meaning, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of earsplitting The Wall, though, will be delightfully old school in a cap tip to the court-hugging, earsplitting, rowdy venues of college basketball’s glory days. —

Bryce Millercolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2023 In Soledar, an old salt mining town, earsplitting explosions crack in every direction. —

Jeffrey Gettleman, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2022 Donald, Mark, Willie, Billy, and Tony — practically everyone in Hollis within shouting distance of 203rd Street was laughing at me at earsplitting volume. —

Stephen A. Smith, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2023 Up close, the spinning turbines make an earsplitting din. —

Stanley Reed Matilde Viegas, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2023 Frequently changing lights and occasionally earsplitting volumes didn’t help. —

Dallas News, 23 Feb. 2022 After Williams struck a swinging backhand volley winner to take a 4-0 lead in the second set, her play improving with every passing moment, the reaction was earsplitting. —

Howard Fendrich, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2022

Recent Examples of Synonyms for earsplitting

Adjective

And that’s the fine line developers and studio heads have to walk in the face of this newer, meaner, louder movement against diversity in the industry: whether or not to acknowledge its existence.

Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 7 Dec. 2024
The result has been a film rollout that at times feels louder than the film itself.

New York Times, New York Times, 7 Dec. 2024