loud 1 of 2

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

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
Staff remembered him for his calm temperament, distinctive mane and loud roar — as well as a goofy streak, the zoo said. Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 24 Apr. 2026 And researchers hope someday gene therapy may help with common types of hearing loss, like from aging and loud noise. Rob Stein, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026
Adverb
Microphones are a tool for speaking out loud, or singing, before a crowd, and Lee uses the object as a symbol of her own desire to speak and be understood, even when she is confused by competing cultures and unsure of her own voice. Ray Mark Rinaldi, Denver Post, 13 Apr. 2026 Garcia laughed it off and replied that the baby liked the music loud before returning to her room. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loud
Adjective
  • The stirring of the home supporters by Rowe, however, made the sound of silence more deafening in the final minute.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Records say the sound created a deafening roar across Copenhagen.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • That involves deep focus, Poblete explained, which requires quiet areas, not the open, often noisier workspaces that are more popular in today's newer offices.
    Diana Olick, CNBC, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Additionally, the system remains robust under noisy and incomplete sensor data, confirming its practicality for real-world robotic applications.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Apr. 2026
Adverb
  • Fans need to start speaking up loudly.
    DP Opinion, Denver Post, 17 Apr. 2026
  • Windward doesn’t announce itself loudly.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 17 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Hana liked it enough to take some home, which in the Test Kitchen is a ringing endorsement!
    Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Apr. 2026
  • At the moment, Breslow has its ringing endorsement.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Egerton, by contrast, gets to grandstand a bit more flamboyantly.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Across medieval Europe, aristocrats repeatedly set off fashion fads and scandals by wearing poulaines, shoes whose flamboyantly elongated pointed toes could stretch far beyond the natural length of their feet.
    Leah Asmelash, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Playing an aristocratic roaring 20s era sleuth that Christie loosely based on her younger self is certainly far removed from chugging shots on the shores of Malia — even the party scenes.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 15 Jan. 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
  • Woodland tipped his cap and ran his left hand through his hair after removing the ball out of the hole to a thunderous, extended ovation from the fans.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2026
  • With the greatest opening day crowd in the history of Atlanta and the Southern league cheering in a mad, thunderous crescendo, the Atlanta Crackers reached something approaching an apogee of playing perfection yesterday to turn back the Knoxville Smokies, 9 to 0.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 17 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loud. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.

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