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

First comes the roar—a low, thunderous rumble rising from deep within the jungle, long before the falls come into view. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2025

Even a small showing of functional toughness from Tyler Kleven, fighting Joe Veleno after a thunderous check on Canadiens defenceman Alexandre Carrier, proved to be somewhat ill-advised. —Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 2 Nov. 2025

By then a Canadian cold front had arrived, bringing thunderous green waves and heavy snow. —Kevin Duchschere, Boston Herald, 26 Oct. 2025

The people who score goals, throw down thunderous dunks or do whatever highlight-reel play exists in your preferred game. —Joe Kozlowski, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 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