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 of thunderous

• loud
• deafening
• roaring
• ringing
• 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

But Fox’s strip sack two plays later on a thunderous hit of Bordeaux turned possession back to Valor. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 23 Nov. 2025

There is a gap between this week’s typically thunderous exchanges and the reality on the ground. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025

The standing ovation in the room at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland was truly thunderous. —Pete Hammond, Deadline, 17 Nov. 2025

Coach Bill Self removed the sophomore big man from the game during the final TV timeout to a thunderous ovation from 15,300 fans appreciative of Bidunga’s 27 minutes of work that included 10-of-11 shooting (5-of-6 from the free-throw line). —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 16 Nov. 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