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

Egypt were well backed in the stands against Belgium and looked set to end their drought after taking the lead through Emam Ashour’s thunderous strike, but a poor second half left them hanging on for a creditable point. — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Senators were thunderous in their criticism. — Daniel Yergin, Time, 20 June 2026

Guided by the thunderous beat of their drummers, crews pulled their paddles through the water in unison, each boat surging toward the finish line as spectators cheered them on. — ABC News, 19 June 2026

Fallon, who attended several Knicks playoff games courtside, recalled the thunderous reaction from fans throughout the championship run. — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 16 June 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