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

Musgraves stood perched at the mic with her eyes closed for most of the performance, which was met by thunderous applause from the audience. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 28 Sep. 2026

To thunderous applause, Kirchner praised the expansive welfare programs of his mother's presidency, which ended over a decade ago. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

In today’s world of rumbling, thunderous Dolby surround sound, the concept of silent cinema can feel very distant. — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026

Bush heeded Jeter’s advice, tossing a perfect strike to backup catcher Todd Greene before waving to a thunderous crowd. — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 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