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 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 Enhanced by Aidan Cole’s thunderclaps, along with music underscoring key monologues, the sound design helps bring everything together. — Amy Reyes, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 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 pulled her dark blonde hair back into an effortless updo, showing off a pair of gold earrings and her blunt bangs.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Even one of music's most forward-facing artists, Taylor Swift, has sported her perfectly coiffed blonde bangs and signature red lip throughout each era.
    — Sadie Kargman, Allure, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • The Senate is expected to vote on legislation this week meant to protect consumers from high electricity costs caused in part by the data center building boom.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Sep. 2026
  • In the early days of the AI boom, companies were competing to see what their AI models could do.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of boom
Noun
  • Removing standing access reduces blast radius and buys time, while quick access withdrawal across hybrid environments blocks attacker pathways.
    — Robert Bobel, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Riley drove the go-ahead blast over the wall in right-center field.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of blast
Noun
  • Finally, the structure crumbled in a roar of broken concrete and a cloud of dust.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The unsentimental roar is, of course, a translation of Chekhov’s saws, and a good one at that.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of roar
Noun
  • Lunch hour has its beginning and its ending, and somehow the whole teeming chaos of midcentury Midtown must be crammed within it, before the hour slams shut.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Allegedly impaired driver slams into city bus The dual tragedies on Tuesday evening unfolded in rapid succession.
    — Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of slam
Noun
  • Two people were killed in as many crashes on Arkansas roads on Friday, according to preliminary police reports.
    — Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The 70-year-old driver was taken to a hospital for treatment of burns to his legs, which were listed as serious injuries, according to the crash report.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 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 2 Oct. 2026.

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