thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce thunderous (audio)
Synonyms of thunderousnext
1
a
: producing thunder
b
: making or accompanied by a noise like thunder
thunderous applause
2
thunderously adverb

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Woodland tipped his cap and ran his left hand through his hair after removing the ball out of the hole to a thunderous, extended ovation from the fans. Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026 With the greatest opening day crowd in the history of Atlanta and the Southern league cheering in a mad, thunderous crescendo, the Atlanta Crackers reached something approaching an apogee of playing perfection yesterday to turn back the Knoxville Smokies, 9 to 0. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Apr. 2026 On June 12, master musicians explore the intricate rhythms of Indian tabla, the thunderous power of Japanese taiko, and the dynamic energy of an all-women Brazilian percussion ensemble. Jem Aswad, Variety, 16 Apr. 2026 Sonic booms sound like loud, thunderous bangs and occur when an aircraft or spacecraft flies overhead faster than the speed of sound. Tom Costello, NBC news, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thunderous

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of thunderous was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Thunderous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thunderous. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

thunderous

adjective
thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs How to pronounce thunderous (audio)
1
: producing thunder
2
: making a noise like thunder
thunderous applause
thunderously adverb

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