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
Videos recorded near the scene and posted on social media appear to show a blue Toyota Corolla and a dark SUV traveling beneath a highway overpass before a series of loud bangs. — María Luisa Paúl, USA Today, 22 Sep. 2026 When coach Kevin Stefanski removed Rush with the Falcons trailing Carolina 27-3 in the third quarter, Strand entered to a loud ovation. — CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Adverb
There’s another description of an older car that’s real loud. — Dateline Nbc, NBC news, 13 Aug. 2026 So wait, that means all these people are talking out loud to their computers next to their co-workers? — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loud
Adjective
  • By the time Obsession made it to TIFF, the buzz on social media had become deafening.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Before the researchers could start sampling it, though, a deafening roar suddenly filled the tunnel.
    — James Dinneen, New Yorker, 13 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery (7 miles north of San Simeon) remains full of massive, delightfully noisy beasts.
    — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The passionate fans, especially the loyalists in his native Michigan, were getting too restless and noisy.
    — Brian McCollum, Freep.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Adverb
  • Clad in a signature pink jumpsuit and armed with a matching bullhorn, Nixon loudly disrupted a hearing to pass a new map expected to help the GOP expand its dominance in the state by unravelling Florida’s historically Black congressional seats.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 Sep. 2026
  • In his speech, Abbas once again implored the international community to take more vigorous action and speak out more loudly against Israel.
    — Sam Metz, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 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
  • 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
  • Sister Daphne belongs to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, an LGBTQ+ group made up mostly of people who dress flamboyantly as nuns.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 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
  • 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
  • In her closet were seven Ungaros, three Rykiels, a Kamali bathing suit and a Kamali sleeping-bag coat, five Kenzo dresses, two pieces from the Ballets Russes collection of Saint Laurent—all of which were trades or payments in kind, none of them mothballed, but instead worn ostentatiously and often.
    — Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • To thunderous applause, Kirchner praised the expansive welfare programs of his mother's presidency, which ended over a decade ago.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • In today’s world of rumbling, thunderous Dolby surround sound, the concept of silent cinema can feel very distant.
    — Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 11 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loud. Accessed 28 Sep. 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