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

Weir's tendency to forget lyrics became a treat for fans at shows, who greeted his slipups with cheers and thunderous applause. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Jan. 2026

Newsom said, to thunderous applause. —Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 Jan. 2026

Harrison Reed’s thunderous late leveller against the reigning champions continued a run of five league games without defeat for Marco Silva’s side, who would move level on points with their rivals with a victory on Thursday. —Jack Bantock, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026

From Dallas-Fort Worth to Sydney to Paris to New York City, crowds rang in 2026 with exuberant celebrations filled with thunderous fireworks and light shows, while others took a more subdued approach. —Dallas Morning News, 1 Jan. 2026

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