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
  • The red, as startling as a cymbal clap, strikes the eye, but the impending drama remains out of sight.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of clap
Noun
  • Bette Midler Midler made the case for sporting natural silver-gray hair at the premiere, styling her long locks into a voluminous updo while letting her bangs fall straight against her forehead.
    — Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Sienna Miller made a romantic case for the blurred lip, Emily Blunt embraced a wintry shade of blonde, and Kim Petras dialed up the drama with graphic liner and ice-blonde bangs.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of bang
Noun
  • The new franchise comes amid a boom in women's sports in the Bay Area, with the Golden State Valkyries winning the WNBA championship in only their second season and with the Bay FC soccer team playing to large crowds.
    — Tim Fang, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Separately, giant chipmaker TSMC announced a 60% jump in revenue last month compared to a year ago, suggesting persistent demand for the hardware powering an AI infrastructure boom.
    — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 10 Nov. 2026
Definition of boom
Noun
  • The weapon carries a 1,000-pound penetrator and blast-fragmentation warhead designed to destroy large surface vessels.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 11 Nov. 2026
  • Nvidia has now launched an independent investigation into his affair, while the government continues to assess the blast radius of the scandal.
    — Julia Black, Vanity Fair, 11 Nov. 2026
Definition of blast
Noun
  • As the verdict came down, ending what had been seen as one of South America’s most stable presidencies, a roar rose from the crowd packed into the plaza outside Congress.
    — Isabel Debre, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Echoes from the excited roar still rumbled through the arena.
    — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of roar
Noun
  • Blyden, the 6-foot-1 transfer from Toledo who made 6 of 9 shots (2-of-4 from 3) with three assists and two steals, was among the players who mobbed Perry after the freshman’s slam forced a Fordham timeout.
    — Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
  • If Woody Guthrie had a taste for slam-dancing in a hardcore pit with bagpipe accompaniment, this song would be his jam.
    — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of slam
Noun
  • Frankie Muniz was taken to a hospital after a crash during practice at Daytona International Speedway ahead of the Team Air Force at Ford’s Veterans Day Classic.
    — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 12 Nov. 2026
  • The other five victims died in crashes involving vehicles used to block roads.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 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 13 Nov. 2026.

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