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

• blaring
• blasting
• booming
• clamorous
• clangorous
• deafening
• earsplitting
• loud
• piercing
• plangent
• resounding
• ringing
• roaring
• slam-bang
• sonorous
• stentorian
• 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

Trump, who entered the convention hall to thunderous applause, looked on approvingly as his former opponents urged voters to return him to the White House. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 17 July 2024

His entrance was greeted with thunderous applause from delegates and convention attendees. —James Powel, USA TODAY, 16 July 2024

The joy of freedom marked the celebration on Sunday, the thunderous tempo from massive drums declaring a spirited independence from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. —Jessie Yeung, CNN, 15 July 2024

Farage arrived to thunderous pump-up music and plumes of sparklers. —Anna Russell, The New Yorker, 5 July 2024

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