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

McCray finished shooting 10 of 17 — including a thunderous windmill dunk off a steal. —Jon Becker, Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2026

Hall kept the Fort Worth Panthers in the game with 11 third-quarter points and a thunderous slam to give his team some momentum. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Mar. 2026

From thunderous victory to shattering downfall, this play delivers sweeping action sequences, political intrigue, and a theatrical experience that hits with the force of a battle drum. —Cincinnati Enquirer, 7 Mar. 2026

Accompanied by boisterous drumming, puppeteers swept through the foyer and up the stairs with thunderous artistry. —Sheila Regan, Twin Cities, 27 Feb. 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