Synonyms of earsplitting

earsplitting

adjective

ˈir-ˌspli-tiŋ 

as in loud

marked by a high volume of sound

the earsplitting noise coming from the jackhammers at the construction site

Synonyms & Similar Words

• loud
• deafening
• ringing
• roaring
• thunderous
• shrill
• thundering
• stentorian
• piercing
• blaring
• noisy
• booming
• blasting
• sonorous
• clamorous
• clangorous
• resounding
• plangent
• raucous
• slam-bang
• vociferous
• brazen
• obstreperous
• discordant
• strident
• harsh
• squealing
• rip-roaring
• grating
• overloud
• dinning
• sharp

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• low
• gentle
• soft
• silent
• quiet
• dead
• still
• calm
• soothing
• serene
• peaceful
• tranquil
• muffled
• dreamy
• restful
• ultraquiet
• muted
• hushed
• toned (down)
• stilly
• softened

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective earsplitting contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of earsplitting are loud, raucous, stentorian, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

When is it sensible to use loud instead of earsplitting?

Although the words loud and earsplitting have much in common, loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When is raucous a more appropriate choice than earsplitting?

The meanings of raucous and earsplitting largely overlap; however, raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

Where would stentorian be a reasonable alternative to earsplitting?

While in some cases nearly identical to earsplitting, stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

In what contexts can strident take the place of earsplitting?

While the synonyms strident and earsplitting are close in meaning, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of earsplitting

Donald, Mark, Willie, Billy, and Tony — practically everyone in Hollis within shouting distance of 203rd Street was laughing at me at earsplitting volume. —Stephen A. Smith, Rolling Stone, 16 Jan. 2023

The Wall, though, will be delightfully old school in a cap tip to the court-hugging, earsplitting, rowdy venues of college basketball’s glory days. —Bryce Millercolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2023

Up close, the spinning turbines make an earsplitting din. —Stanley Reed Matilde Viegas, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2023

After Williams struck a swinging backhand volley winner to take a 4-0 lead in the second set, her play improving with every passing moment, the reaction was earsplitting. —Howard Fendrich, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2022