Definition of loudnext

loud

2 of 2

adverb

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective loud contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of loud are earsplitting, raucous, stentorian, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When can earsplitting be used instead of loud?

In some situations, the words earsplitting and loud are roughly equivalent. However, earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

When is it sensible to use raucous instead of loud?

The synonyms raucous and loud are sometimes interchangeable, but raucous implies a loud harsh grating tone, especially of voice, and may suggest rowdiness.

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

In what contexts can stentorian take the place of loud?

The meanings of stentorian and loud largely overlap; however, stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

Where would strident be a reasonable alternative to loud?

Although the words strident and loud have much in common, strident implies a rasping discordant but insistent quality, especially of voice.

the strident voices of hecklers

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of loud
Adjective
The highlight of the play during a montage that was shown on the overhead videoboard set off some of the loudest roars of the night. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 The water sensor siren was adequately loud and was triggered by just a few drops of water. — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Adverb
Reading the letters myself and seeing players read out loud with tears in their eyes provided a powerful example what can happen when parents express their true feelings. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 Brewer said more than 10 pages of questions from residents will be read out loud at the City Council hearing, and co-op organizations will speak out. — Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loud
Adjective
  • The sound is practically deafening, a loud metallic pang that cuts through the forest’s thick foliage.
    — Taylor Mitchell Brown, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • By the time Obsession made it to TIFF, the buzz on social media had become deafening.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Today, the 31-year-old is sneakily skilled in ways beyond classical picking or noisy shredding.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In the parking garage, the animals were unfazed by noisy construction and enthusiastic fans.
    — Sarah Larson, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Adverb
  • To dance wildly and sing loudly and wrap their arms around each other.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Indeed, Rabe might just have the toughest job of all, and not because she is regularly called upon to joust (sometimes loudly) with performers as skilled and, to repeat, beloved as Louis-Dreyfus and Harris.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 18 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham was asked about Underwood’s security in the starting job earlier this week and hardly offered up a ringing endorsement.
    — Bruce Feldman, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Martha-Mary Chapel, Sudbury Reverend Bryce (Toby Huss) presides over the town church, where mysterious ringing bells seem to indicate something dark is afoot.
    — Nicholas DeRenzo, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
Adverb
  • This flamboyantly ambitious novel, which takes place in a version of Atlanta known as Atlantis, follows the life of George Washington Jonson, a Black cop with a liking for white women.
    — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Rooms are decorated with minibars crafted in Jaipur, flamboyantly upholstered chairs, Murano-glass chandeliers, and marbled wallpaper sourced and crafted in Italy.
    — Clare Coulson, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Rudy Gobert and a roaring, black-out playoff crowd towered over him.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Cornwall’s ‘roaring future’ If the world is ever to get close to net zero, lithium will be at the centre of it, said The Times.
    — Will Barker, TheWeek, 19 Feb. 2026
Adverb
  • Ahmed wrapped his face in a red kaffiyeh—the fantasy of a man in hiding, ostentatiously drawing attention to himself.
    — Ben Taub, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
  • Bryan Fuller’s expressionistic procedural is ostentatiously gruesome, yes, but the increasingly disturbing interplay between Will and Hannibal — cat and mouse, will-they/won’t they — is a full course meal on its own.
    — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Thankfully, the tame control of the bass helps prevent the drums from becoming overly thunderous.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Carousel music mixed with the thunderous roar of roller coaster carts exploding through dizzying loops and heart-stopping drops.
    — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loud. Accessed 26 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster