Thesaurus results for THUNDERCLAP

thunderclap

noun

ˈthən-dər-ˌklap

Definition of thunderclap

as in clap

a loud explosive sound awakened by the thunderclap of a large branch falling on the roof

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 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 For all the thunderclap significance of 1848, Seneca Falls is a monument to women’s patience and frustration, and to the friendships that were needed to sustain their movement through the decades ahead. — Beverly Gage, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for thunderclap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for thunderclap

Noun

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
One of the moments in the musical that caused the most laughter and claps from the audience was the final song, which mocks the idea of using violence as a form of protest rather than joining a movement or focusing on policy.

— Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026

Definition of clap

Noun

From a fringed mullet, to a blonde buzz cut, bobs in various lengths, micro bangs, and even a shade of citrus—Kristen Stewart’s looks are always executed with an edge.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 24 July 2026
Her tattoos and brunette bangs hint at a bohemian persona, but her glossy-looking album covers and easygoing interview responses aren’t very edgy.

— Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 23 July 2026

Definition of bang

Noun

Deaton notes that the best course of action for smaller infestations is to prune out the affected area to prevent the pests from spreading and treat the plant with insecticidal soap or a blast of soapy water.

— The Spruce, The Spruce, 21 July 2026
Mack followed a two-out walk issued to Jakob Marsee with a 409-foot blast to right field in the second.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Definition of blast

Noun

Dixon said other issues to be considered are the deafening roar of traffic passing under the footbridge on I-91 and how to soften it.

— Kenneth R. Gosselin, Hartford Courant, 26 July 2026
But the show doesn’t start until the 79-year-old De Shields nattily flips his jacket open, to the approving roar of the audience.

— Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026

Definition of roar

Noun

Investigators said Summers was using his phone extensively before the crash, driving 73-75 mph, and tested positive for cocaine and opiates.

— Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
On June 15, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted crash testing, using a three-year-old dummy to test the headrest at its highest position in both forward- and rear-facing modes.

— Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Definition of crash

Browse Nearby Words

thunder

thunderclap

thunderclaps

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Thunderclap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/thunderclap. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of thunderclap

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on thunderclap

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes