Definition of stentoriannext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective stentorian contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stentorian are earsplitting, loud, raucous, and strident. While all these words mean "marked by intensity or volume of sound," stentorian implies great power and range.

an actor with a stentorian voice

When is earsplitting a more appropriate choice than stentorian?

While in some cases nearly identical to stentorian, earsplitting implies loudness that is physically discomforting.

the earsplitting sound of a siren

When can loud be used instead of stentorian?

The meanings of loud and stentorian largely overlap; however, loud applies to any volume above normal and may suggest undue vehemence or obtrusiveness.

loud shouts of protest

When could raucous be used to replace stentorian?

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

the raucous shouts of drunken revelers

When might strident be a better fit than stentorian?

The words strident and stentorian can be used in similar contexts, but 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 stentorian The sensation of ripping through six forward gears with the LT4’s stentorian roar echoing off a canyon wall is one of the best in motoring. Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2026 Broder was famous for always choosing his words carefully and for a stentorian delivery that commanded attention. Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 24 Sep. 2025 With his rumbling, stentorian voice, Woods locates unusual pockets inside of beats and deploys a dense, pictorial songwriting style that Earl Sweatshirt compared to Public Enemy’s Chuck D, both in volume and his relationship to rhythm. Ross Scarano, New York Times, 15 May 2025 Gone is the grave, stentorian tone of Biden’s news releases. Ezra Klein, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for stentorian
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stentorian
Adjective
  • The style is quintessential Deborah—strong, bold, a little loud, yet classy.
    Rachel Wallace, Architectural Digest, 29 May 2026
  • Like the Marrakech souks, Chatuchak is a full sensory experience of loud music, the smell of Thai street food and a buzzing, barter-friendly atmosphere.
    Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 29 May 2026
Adjective
  • That doesn’t mean the Avs can’t enjoy themselves, feel pride in an accomplishment or revel in the deafening roar when MacKinnon fired the perfect shot at the perfect time.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 14 May 2026
  • Records say the sound created a deafening roar across Copenhagen.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • On the other, giving up 24 goals in a five-game loss to a team that immediately forgets how to score and gets swept isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement of a team being close to contending.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 1 June 2026
  • There is performance and rage, humor and babies, bell ringing and escape rooms.
    Erica Firpo, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Stentorian.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stentorian. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.

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