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
The Homan approach to mass deportation is not as loud and flashy as the one employed by Noem; her chief adviser, Corey Lewandowski; and their roving field marshal, the Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino. Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 Something else that supports the hypothesis that recent meteors have been larger than usual is the prevalence of sonic booms — loud, explosive sounds caused by shockwaves when meteoroids, small rocky or metallic bodies from space, penetrate deeper into the Earth's atmosphere than usual. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Adverb
How loud the noise of his breathing even over the sound of the music. Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026 Fittingly, the song’s thumping beat is heard twice, real loud, in Rosebush Pruning, Karim Aїnouz’s high-gloss, pitch-dark satire about an American family described by one of its scions as mediocre, vapid egotists, who will never have to work thanks to a large inheritance. David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for loud
Recent Examples of Synonyms for loud
Adjective
  • The incessant sales pitches are buffeted by the usual deafening pounding music, which makes Vin Scully Avenue seem like Las Vegas Boulevard.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • That didn’t stop the Chicago Blackhawks from giving Bears coach Ben Johnson a shoutout — one that was met with a deafening roar from the United Center.
    Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The experience of Gando will also enrich a timber day-care center now going up on a noisy street in Munich.
    Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Greg Bovino, Border Patrol’s former commander at large, with the big coat that definitely does not give off a Nazi vibe, got one of the noisiest, rock-star receptions at CPAC when he was brought on stage by podcaster Benny Johnson.
    Rob Crilly, The Washington Examiner, 30 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • Markets usually jammed with customers were desolate Friday, with some vendors loudly promoting their products in a desperate attempt to attract customers.
    Félix Márquez, Los Angeles Times, 29 Mar. 2026
  • The cheering and chanting from the protest could be heard loudly from blocks away from the Capitol.
    Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • At the moment, Breslow has its ringing endorsement.
    Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 25 Mar. 2026
  • But Malema was convicted of hate speech for making threats last year, and his party won less than ten per cent of the national vote in the most recent South African election—hardly a ringing endorsement of his ideas.
    Boyce Upholt, New Yorker, 14 Mar. 2026
Adverb
  • 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
  • In his social orbit are a flamboyantly gay colleague played by Mason Gooding and a roommate questioning her own sexuality, played by Chase Sui Wonders.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 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
  • 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
  • Spielberg worked within the system, Coppola spent lavishly and even ostentatiously to build his own studio and Lucas found his independence through a quieter, more conservative and technology-driven route.
    Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • There was one instance where journeyman Micah Potter faked out Kel’el Ware and drove for a thunderous dunk.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Midway through the second half, Ijadimbola took a feed from Shay Jackson and rattled the rim with a thunderous dunk.
    Mike Cook, Twin Cities, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Loud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/loud. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.

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