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

• 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

There's this thunderous beat at the start of the film's soundtrack. —Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025

Online speculation and desire regarding Daryl and Carol as a couple has been at a thunderous drumbeat over the years, but the stars have been resistant to engage — no pun intended — on the topic. —Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Sep. 2025

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause for the two girls. —Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025

The observation drew thunderous applause inside the stadium, but also put the wider political world on notice. —Ronald J. Hansen, AZCentral.com, 22 Sep. 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