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

Around two in the morning, Machado stepped onto the balcony to thunderous applause. — Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 20 July 2026

Abby Wambach breaks a tense tie with a thunderous header in the 79th minute, and the United States earns its first trip to the Women’s World Cup final since winning it in 1999 with a 3-1 victory over France. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

Paris Barraza The thunderous sound of fireworks drowned the roar of the thousands of people marking America's 250th birthday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026

The Soundcore Boom 2 stands as a bridge between rugged outdoor durability and thunderous, club-like bass reproduction. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 July 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