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

No rain or lightning came, but a thunderous voice boomed throughout the field as the defensive backs competed in drills. — Latif Love august 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026

The skies of Oklahoma City roared for six months in 1964 as military aircraft intentionally rattled the population below with a daily barrage of thunderous sonic booms. — Jacopo Prisco, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026

Skubal walked off the field this past week in Detroit to a thunderous ovation. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Spidey caught a thunderous $72 million from Thursday previews, which also set the record for a preview sum, beating the $60 million that Endgame earned. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 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