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

The Lions ended a nip-and-tuck first quarter with a 17-14 lead following a thunderous dunk by Ranck on an inbounds play in the final seconds. —James Peters, Baltimore Sun, 25 Feb. 2026

The Hawk student section stands out as one of the best in Texas with reputation of creating a thunderous playoff atmosphere. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Feb. 2026

Onyeka Okongwu threw down a thunderous slam over Nic Claxton in the third quarter and finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks. —ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026

Probably some screeching guitar solos, a thunderous set from the drummer, all while the lead singer is handling everything in between? —Kansas City Star, 21 Feb. 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