thunderclap

noun

ˈthən-dər-ˌklap How to pronounce thunderclap (audio)
Definition of thunderclapnext
as in clap
a loud explosive sound awakened by the thunderclap of a large branch falling on the roof

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 thunderclap There are also thunderclaps, which are loud, explosive sounds of thunder that can accompany an extremely close lightning strike. — Laura Kiniry, Popular Science, 16 July 2026 The future of work was never going to announce itself with a thunderclap. — Aj Thomas, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 The origin of the thunderclap (sometimes called the Viking clap) is disputed, with several clubs in Europe claiming to have started the trend, but Iceland popularised it and brought it to the world stage. — Elias Burke, New York Times, 23 June 2026 And when thunderclaps rattled their chests, the Chinese felt a deity punishing wrongdoers. — Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for thunderclap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for thunderclap
  1. clap
  2. bang
  3. boom
  4. blast
  5. roar
  6. slam
  7. crash
Noun
  • Lightning can travel miles from a storm, and officials suggest waiting 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before heading back outdoors.
    — Manuel Bojorquez, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Fans did the New Day clap in anticipation for the popular former WWE stable, and Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods answered the bell, joining Swerve Strickland as the wildcard team.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clap
Noun
  • Swift's signature bangs were brushed to one side, swooping over one brow.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Soft, easy bangs Curtain bangs like Daisy Edgar-Jones’s are still a favorite.
    — Lindy Segal, Glamour, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • So, too, is the way objects react when a fusion reaction booms nearby.
    — Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The announcement is the latest chapter in a Beatles boom, 56 years after the band’s breakup.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of boom
Noun
  • After the initial blast, which spews out gamma rays, a storm of radiation pours into the surrounding galaxy, creating a ferocious afterglow that burns in every part of the electromagnetic spectrum.
    — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • Hamas officials blamed Israel for the hospital deaths, while Israel attributed the blast to a failed, errant rocket launched from within Gaza by Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
    — Asra Q. Nomani, FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of blast
Noun
  • Maybe the Dodger fans, who showed striking apathy in the playoffs, will return to their post-dynasty roars because of this.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • After co-headlining with Charli xcx at the peak of Brat Summer, Sivan was struck by his post-show emotional crash, when the roar of stadiums gave way to the quiet of being totally on his own.
    — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of roar
Noun
  • Lynch was on the outside trying to gather herself after the vicious table slam.
    — Ryan Gaydos OutKick, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
  • The 16th slam in Yankees postseason history gave Rice six RBIs, matching the franchise record for a postseason game accomplished by four other players.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of slam
Noun
  • That’s 35% of the value of the S&P 500 and the highest concentration in a handful of stocks since just before the crash of 1929.
    — Ming Lu, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The California Highway Patrol on Wednesday afternoon was investigating a fatal crash on County Road 102 in Yolo County.
    — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of crash

Browse Nearby Words

thunder
thunderclap
thunderclaps
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Cite this Entry

“Thunderclap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderclap. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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