thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs 

1

a

: producing thunder

b

: making or accompanied by a noise like thunder

thunderous applause

2

: thundering

thunderously adverb

Synonyms

• blaring
• blasting
• booming
• clamorous
• clangorous
• deafening
• earsplitting
• loud
• piercing
• plangent
• resounding
• ringing
• roaring
• slam-bang
• sonorous
• stentorian
• thundering

Examples of thunderous in a Sentence

The audience responded with thunderous applause.

the last thunderous chord of the symphony rang throughout the hall

Recent Examples on the Web

But beneath driving rain and amid a thunderous atmosphere, the home side had staged a stirring fightback, scoring four goals without reply to seize control of their destiny in the competition. —Tom Williams, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

The lackluster reaction in the room continued with Scarlett Johansson, who earned more slack-jawed stares than thunderous applause. —Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Apr. 2025

Cue thunderous music, the DC logo, and an aerial shot of the Daily Planet. —Jake Kanter, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025

The video begins with ominous, thunderous sounds of the fire echoing outside, before dark plumes of smoke and blazes of fire begin close in on the home within seconds. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

thunderous

adjective

thun·​der·​ous ˈthən-d(ə-)rəs 

1

: producing thunder

2

: making a noise like thunder

thunderous applause

thunderously adverb