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

• 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

He could also be seen nodding his approval after the dance — and earning a thunderous round of excited shouts from the audience. —Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE, 15 Oct. 2025

He is being greeted by thunderous applause that has lasted for minutes. —Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025

Haas, an Austrian sage of microtonal music, has created his own sonic forest in the Park Avenue Armory’s Drill Hall, encircling the audience with 50 pianos (each of which has about 230 strings) and a chamber ensemble (Klangforum Wien) that included a contingent of thunderous percussion. —Justin Davidson, Vulture, 1 Oct. 2025

There's this thunderous beat at the start of the film's soundtrack. —Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 1 Oct. 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