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

Great as this episode is, no thunderous applause is heard, or necessary. —Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 7 May 2025

Holding a bouquet of yellow roses, the six-time Emmy Award nominee, 45, bowed to thunderous applause from the enthusiastic crowd, including his former The Little Mermaid costars Sierra Boggess and Sherie Rene Scott. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 19 Mar. 2025

Havoc's vast ensemble collides across several crackling action sequences, pairing thunderous gunplay with creative kills involving champagne bottles, harpoon guns, and rusty hooks. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 28 Apr. 2025

No, because Gerrard would be rushing over to cover with a thunderous tackle. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 24 Apr. 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